predatory

The definition of predatory is living by harming, robbing or hunting others.

(adjective)

  1. Lenders that try to trick the poor into taking bad loans are an example of predatory lenders.
  2. A hawk is an example of a predatory bird.

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See predatory in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. of, living by, or characterized by plundering, robbing, or exploiting others
  2. living by capturing and feeding upon other animals; predacious

Origin: L praedatorius < praeda, prey

Related Forms:

See predatory in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
  1. Living by preying on other organisms: a predatory mammal; a predatory insect.
  2. a. Of, relating to, or characterized by plundering, pillaging, or marauding.
    b. Living by or given to exploiting or destroying others for one's own gain.

Origin:

Origin: Latin praedātōrius, plundering

Origin: , from praedārī, to plunder

Origin: , from praeda, booty; see ghend- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • predˌa·toˈri·ly adverb
  • predˈa·toˌri·ness noun

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