Prey on

phrasal verb

To take advantage of, exploit or harm someone who is vulnerable.

Scam artists often prey on the elderly.
Visual representation of "prey on" - To take advantage of, exploit or harm someone who is vulnerable

Often appears as...

  • prey on the weak
  • prey on the vulnerable
phrasal verb

To hunt and kill for food.

Lions prey on smaller animals in the wild.
Visual representation of "prey on" - To hunt and kill for food

Often appears as...

  • birds prey on insects
  • spiders prey on flies
phrasal verb

To take advantage of, exploit or harm someone who is vulnerable.

Scam artists often prey on the elderly.
Visual representation of "prey on" - To take advantage of, exploit or harm someone who is vulnerable

Often appears as...

  • prey on the weak
  • prey on the vulnerable
phrasal verb

To hunt and kill for food.

Lions prey on smaller animals in the wild.
Visual representation of "prey on" - To hunt and kill for food

Often appears as...

  • birds prey on insects
  • spiders prey on flies
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "prey on"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Context

Often used to describe unethical behavior, such as trickery or manipulation.

Illustration for Negative Context
Cybercriminals regularly prey on internet users' lack of knowledge.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Can imply the victim experiences fear, distress, or harm.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Fraudulent schemes prey on the hopes of the destitute.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Physical

Typically refers to psychological or financial harm, rather than physical.

Illustration for Not Physical
Gossip magazines often prey on celebrities' personal lives for profit.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Context

Often used to describe unethical behavior, such as trickery or manipulation.

Illustration for Negative Context
Cybercriminals regularly prey on internet users' lack of knowledge.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Can imply the victim experiences fear, distress, or harm.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Fraudulent schemes prey on the hopes of the destitute.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Physical

Typically refers to psychological or financial harm, rather than physical.

Illustration for Not Physical
Gossip magazines often prey on celebrities' personal lives for profit.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Context

Often used to describe unethical behavior, such as trickery or manipulation.

Illustration for Negative Context
Cybercriminals regularly prey on internet users' lack of knowledge.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

Can imply the victim experiences fear, distress, or harm.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
Fraudulent schemes prey on the hopes of the destitute.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Physical

Typically refers to psychological or financial harm, rather than physical.

Illustration for Not Physical
Gossip magazines often prey on celebrities' personal lives for profit.
Visual representation of the word "Prey on"

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