noun

predator

/ˈpredətər/ · say it: PRED·uh·ter

an animal that hunts others for food

In Science & Nature

In more detail

1. (noun) an animal that hunts and eats other animals

2. (noun) a person who hunts or harms others, especially someone who sexually abuses or exploits weaker people

Examples

1. Lions are skilled predators that hunt zebras on the savanna.
2. The police arrested a predator who was targeting children online.

How to use predator

Predator is used in both ecological contexts (describing animals in food chains) and social contexts (describing humans who exploit others, especially in sexual abuse). The term carries a strong negative connotation when applied to people, and is standard in criminology, psychology, and conservation discourse. In figurative use, it often implies ruthlessness and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.

Common phrases

apex predator
sexual predator
predator and prey
top predator
predatory behavior
predator-prey relationship

Synonyms

hunter · carnivore · aggressor · exploiter · abuser

Opposites

prey · victim

Word family

predatory (adjective) · predation (noun) · predatorily (adverb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse predator with predatory or use the singular form incorrectly when discussing multiple predators; some also misuse it metaphorically in business contexts without recognizing its serious implications.

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