Definition of: prey

(prā) noun
1. Any animal seized by another for food.
2. Booty; plunder; pillage.
3. Anything made the victim of that which is hostile or evil.
4. The act of preying; depredation; robbery. See synonyms under PLUNDER.
—v.i.
1. To seek or take prey for food: Cats prey on birds.
2. To take booty; plunder.
3. To make a victim of someone, as by cheating.
4. To exert a wearing or harmful influence: His losses preyed on his mind. ♦ Homophone: pray. [<OF preie <L praeda booty]
—prey′er noun