prey on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Scammers often prey on older people, many of whom are lonely and don’t have a large network to bounce ideas off.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 26, 2026

Chief Darren Goodman added: “If you traffic in human lives or prey on our community, you will be identified, targeted, and held accountable.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 2, 2026

"Bustamante Leiva came to Washington illegally to prey on citizens of the district," Jeanine Pirro, US attorney for the District of Columbia, said in a statement.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Harriet also shared the 2023 Collier Prize for State Government Accountability for revealing corruption in California’s legal profession that enabled attorneys to prey on vulnerable clients.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

“She wants to give you the impression that she has power to spy on you in your bedroom. Witches prey on fear. Her influence does not extend beyond the walls of this shack.”

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull