vulture
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a large bird that eats the meat of animals that are already dead.
n.any of several large birds of prey that feed primarily on carrion.
Simple“We saw a vulture circling high in the sky above the desert.”
In context“The vulture plays a vital role in the ecosystem by disposing of animal remains that might otherwise spread disease.”
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.a person who waits for others to fail or suffer so they can take something for themselves.
n.a person who preys on others, especially by exploiting their misfortunes for financial or personal gain.
Simple“The lawyers were like vultures, waiting for the company to go bankrupt.”
In context“He was described as a corporate vulture, buying struggling family businesses only to sell off their assets for a quick profit.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to hang around a person or place because you are waiting to take something.
v.to hover or circle around a target in an opportunistic or predatory manner.
Simple“Stop vulturing around my desk waiting for me to finish my lunch.”
In context“The paparazzi were vulturing outside the hospital, hoping to catch a glimpse of the celebrity leaving the private wing.”
“So, nobody fights vultures that perch here," a man they call the Vulture King tells the BBC.”
Borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-Norman vultur, from Old French voutoir, voutre, from Latin vultur, voltur.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.