Predatory meaning

prĕd'ə-tôr'ē
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.

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Living by capturing and feeding upon other animals; predacious.
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Of, or relating to a predator.
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Living by preying on other living animals.
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(figuratively) Exploiting or victimizing others for personal gain.
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Living or characterized by preying on other animals.

A predatory insect; predatory instincts.

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

  • Jared broke the predatory silence.

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Words near predatory in the Dictionary