prey on

VERB

attack, terrorize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bully devour exploit feed on fleece haunt intimidate oppress plunder take advantage of victimize

WEAK

blackmail bleed burden consume depredate distress eat hunt live off load raid seize tax trouble weigh worry

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist give help

WEAK

guard protect save

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.

Being pro-business doesn’t mean giving corporate bad actors a free pass to prey on the people who make their profits possible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 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

It’s spurred tension in rural counties where the animals prey on livestock.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

"Let's be very crystal clear here: if a bull shark, or a tiger, or a great white did want to prey on a human, there would be no body."

From BBC • Feb. 4, 2026

They loved to prey on rootworkers and suck up all their strength.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

prey on

Example Sentences

Related Words