predate

[pree-deyt]

predate Definition

• 1. to exist or happen before something else
• 2. to prey on something

Using predate: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "predate" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The church predated the school by several decades.

• Example

  Dinosaurs predated humans by millions of years.

• Example

  The company's unethical practices predate the current CEO.

• Example

  The lion preys on weaker animals in the savannah.

predate Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for predate

• antecede
• precede
• forerun
• hunt
• harass

Antonyms for predate

• follow
• postdate

Phrases with predate

• predate on

  to hunt and kill other animals for food

  Example

  The tiger preys on deer and other herbivores.

• predate back to

  to have existed or happened since a particular time in the past

  Example

  The tradition of exchanging gifts predates back to ancient Rome.

• predate upon

  to exploit or take advantage of someone or something

  Example

  The company has been accused of preying upon vulnerable customers.

Origins of predate

from Latin 'praedari', meaning 'to plunder'

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Summary: predate in Brief

'Predate' [pree-deyt] means to exist or happen before something else, as in 'The church predated the school by several decades.' It can also mean to prey on something, as in 'The lion preys on weaker animals in the savannah.' The verb extends into phrases like 'predate back to,' denoting existence since a particular time, and 'predate upon,' implying exploitation.