An Encylopedia Britannica Company

prey

1 prey /ˈpreɪ/ noun
1 prey
/ˈpreɪ/
noun
Britannica Dictionary definition of PREY
[noncount]
: an animal that is hunted or killed by another animal for food
see also bird of prey
: someone who is easily harmed or affected in a bad way by someone or something : victim

be/fall prey to

: to be killed by (an animal, disease, etc.)
: to be harmed or affected in a bad way by (someone or something)
2 prey /ˈpreɪ/ verb
preys; preyed; preying
2 prey
/ˈpreɪ/
verb
preys; preyed; preying
Britannica Dictionary definition of PREY

prey on/upon

[phrasal verb]
prey on/upon (something) : to hunt and kill (something) for food
prey on/upon (someone) : to hurt, cheat, or steal from (someone)
prey on/upon someone's mind : to make someone worry : to be constantly on someone's mind