Predatory definition

prĕdə-tôrē
Living by capturing and feeding upon other animals; predacious.
adjective
4
0
The definition of predatory is living by harming, robbing or hunting others.

Lenders that try to trick the poor into taking bad loans are an example of predatory lenders.

A hawk is an example of a predatory bird.

adjective
3
0
Living or characterized by plundering, pillaging, or marauding.
adjective
2
0
Living or characterized by the exploitation of others for personal gain.

Predatory business practices.

adjective
2
0
Of, or relating to a predator.
adjective
1
0
Advertisement
Living by preying on other living animals.
adjective
0
0
(figuratively) Exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.
adjective
0
0
Living or characterized by preying on other animals.

A predatory insect; predatory instincts.

adjective
0
1
Of, living by, or characterized by plundering, robbing, or ruthlessly exploiting others.
adjective
0
1

Origin of predatory

  • Latin praedātōrius plundering from praedārī to plunder from praeda booty ghend- in Indo-European roots

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Latin praedatorius.

    From Wiktionary

Predatory Sentence Examples

  • The predatory smile crossed his face.

  • His predatory smile made her pulse fly.

  • His predatory gaze was on her.

  • Five sets of predatory eyes fell to her, as if realizing there was a lame lamb in their midst.

  • He resigned the office of guardian, and betook himself again to a wandering life and a desultory and predatory warfare against the English.

More sentences

Related articles

Words near predatory in the Dictionary