What does the phrasal verb “prey on” mean?

What are the definitions of “prey on”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Catch and kill an animal for food.

  Spiders PREY ON insects.

• 2. Exploit or harm.

  They PREY ON older people.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “prey on”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb prey on is to catch and kill an animal for food. It is often used to describe the hunting behavior of predators in the animal kingdom. For example, lions prey on antelopes, and spiders prey on insects.

What are the different verb forms of “prey on”?

Root Verb	prey on
Third Person Singular Present	preys on
Present Participle	preying on
Simple Past	preyed on
Past Participle	preyed on

Example

Cats often prey on small birds and rodents.

Example

The snake preys on mice and other small animals.

Example

The hawk is preying on a squirrel in the tree.

Example

The wolf preyed on the sheep in the pasture.

Example

The vulnerable animals were preyed on by the predators.

What kind of phrasal verb is “prey on”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Transitive verb

“prey on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.

Example

The lion preyed on the antelope.

Example

Scammers often prey on the elderly.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“prey on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The lion preyed on the antelope.

Example

Scammers often prey on the elderly.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “prey on”?

Prey on someone's fears

To take advantage of someone's fears or insecurities for personal gain.

Example

The politician preyed on the public's fears to gain support for his campaign.

Prey on someone's mind

To cause someone to worry or think about something constantly.

Example

The upcoming exam was preying on her mind, making it difficult for her to relax.

Prey on the weak

To exploit or take advantage of those who are vulnerable or less powerful.

Example

Bullies often prey on the weak, targeting those who are unable to defend themselves.

Good things to know

Does “prey on” have an informal or formal tone?

Prey on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “prey on”?

Synonyms

• hunt
• capture
• exploit
• victimize
• abuse
• feed on
• take advantage of
• manipulate

Antonyms

• protect
• defend
• support
• nurture
• help
• assist
• aid