# predation

/pɹəˈdeɪʃən/ (US) · /pɹɪdˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/predation
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of one animal hunting and eating another. It is a natural part of life in the wild.

For teachers: the act of one organism killing and consuming another for sustenance. Often used in ecological contexts to describe the relationship between predator and prey.

## Examples

- The lion's predation on the herd keeps the population in check.
- Scientists are studying how increased predation by eagles affects the local duck population in the wetlands.
- The evolutionary arms race between predator and prey is a prime example of how predation drives the development of sophisticated survival strategies across various species.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.