# predator

/ˈpɹɛdətɝ/ (US) · /pɹˈɛdətɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/predator
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. hunting animal

noun · CEFR B2

an animal that hunts, kills, and eats other animals.

For teachers: an organism that naturally preys on others, typically for food.

- The lion is a powerful predator that hunts zebras on the African plains.
- The introduction of a non-native predator into the ecosystem caused a rapid decline in the local bird population.

Usage: Often used in biological contexts to describe the relationship between species.

### 2. exploitative person

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who looks for people who are weak or vulnerable so they can hurt or use them.

For teachers: an individual who ruthlessly exploits or victimises others for personal gain or gratification.

- The police warned the public about a financial predator targeting elderly people.
- The investigation revealed he was a corporate predator who systematically dismantled small companies for their assets.

Usage: Frequently used in legal and journalistic contexts to describe criminal or unethical behaviour.

### 3. sexual predator

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

someone who looks for people to attack or use for sexual reasons.

For teachers: a person who seeks out others to commit sexual crimes against them.

- New laws were passed to keep track of known sexual predators in the community.
- The court classified the defendant as a dangerous sexual predator, citing a long history of premeditated attacks.

Teaching tip: This is a very serious and heavy term; it is used in legal contexts and news reports rather than casual conversation.

## Examples

- The lion is a powerful predator in the African savanna.
- Wildlife biologists tracked the predator for weeks to understand its hunting patterns and territory size.
- The reintroduction of a top-tier predator into the ecosystem had the unexpected effect of diversifying the local flora by controlling the overpopulated deer herds.

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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.