Definition of prey

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< prexy

prez >

prey    (pr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. An animal hunted or caught for food; quarry.
2. One that is defenseless, especially in the face of attack; a victim.
3. The act or practice of preying.

intr.v.
preyed, prey·ing, preys

1. To hunt, catch, or eat as prey: Owls prey on mice.
2. To victimize or make a profit at someone else's expense.
3. To plunder or pillage.
4. To exert a baneful or injurious effect: Remorse preyed on his mind.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English preie, from Old French, from Latin praeda, booty, prey; see ghend- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
preyer(Noun)