prey etymology

Etymology:

The word "prey" comes from Old French "preie," which derives from the Late Latin "praeda," meaning "booty, plunder." The Latin word is of uncertain origin, possibly related to words in other Indo-European languages meaning "to grasp" or "to seize."

Meaning:

• An animal that is hunted or killed by a predator for food.
• A person or thing that is targeted for attack, exploitation, or harm.
• Booty or plunder taken in war or conquest.

Origin:

The concept of prey has existed since the earliest forms of life, as predators have always relied on prey to survive. The word "prey" has been in use in the English language since the early 13th century.

Usage:

• As a noun:
  • The lioness stalked its prey through the tall grass.
  • The company identified its target customers as its prey.
• As a verb:
  • The disease preys on the weak immune systems of the elderly.
  • The bully preyed on the smaller children at school.

Examples:

• Zebras are common prey for lions in the African savanna.
• The woman was a victim of a violent crime that left her prey to her attackers.
• The invading army seized the treasures of the conquered city as their prey.

prey relate terms

• depredate

  Etymology The word depredate comes from the Latin word depraedari which means to

• prey

  Etymology The word prey comes from Old French preie which derives from the Late Lat

• depredation

  Etymology Latin depraedatio meaning robbery plundering From depraedor meaning

• prey

  Etymology The word prey comes from Old French preie which derives from the Late Lat

• spree

  Etymology Middle English spreye from Old English sprenga meaning sprinkling or

• quarry

  Etymology The word quarry comes from the Old French word carriere which in turn is der

• accipiter

  Etymology The word accipiter comes from the Latin word accipere which means to tak

• kite

  Etymology The word kite comes from the Middle English word kite which itself is der

• gain

  Etymology Anglo French gaignerie profit Middle French gaignier to earn Old French ga

• bait

  Etymology Middle English baite from Anglo Norman bait diminutive of Old Norse beita

• tabes

  Etymology The word tabes is derived from the Latin word tabēre which means to pin

• forage

  Etymology Old French fourrage Late Latin fodrāticum fodrum from fodrus food fod

• animal

  Etymology The word animal comes from the Latin word animalis meaning having life o