PREY ON Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "prey on" is a verb phrase that is commonly used to describe the act of deliberately targeting or victimizing someone or something weaker, vulnerable, or gullible for one's personal gain, advantage, or satisfaction, often at the expense of the individual or entity being preyed upon. It implies an aggressive, predatory behavior, usually involving exploitation or manipulation.
In reference to human behavior, "prey on" suggests the act of taking advantage of someone's weaknesses, naivety, or susceptibility, whether physically, emotionally, or financially. This may involve deceit, manipulation, or coercion to gain control, power, or personal satisfaction at the expense of the targeted person.
Likewise, "prey on" can also be applied to describe predatory acts in the animal kingdom, where one species actively hunts or seeks out another for food or survival.
Furthermore, "prey on" can extend beyond human or animal interactions to encompass broader contexts like financial scams, online fraud, or even natural disasters, where individuals or organizations exploit vulnerabilities or capitalize on unfortunate circumstances for personal gain.
Overall, the phrase "prey on" connotes the idea of intentionally victimizing, exploiting, or taking advantage of others who are perceived as weaker or more vulnerable for one's own personal motives or benefits.
Common Misspellings for PREY ON
- orey on
- lrey on
- -rey on
- 0rey on
- peey on
- pdey on
- pfey on
- ptey on
- p5ey on
- p4ey on
- prwy on
- prsy on
- prdy on
- prry on
- pr4y on
- pr3y on
- pret on
- preg on
- preh on
- preu on
Etymology of PREY ON
The word "prey on" originates from the noun "prey" and the preposition "on".
The noun "prey" comes from the Old French word "preie", which derived from the Latin word "praeda", meaning "booty" or "plunder". The Latin term "praeda" was used to refer to something that is taken by force, particularly in the context of hunting or war.
The preposition "on" has Old English roots and is typically used to indicate a position or location in relation to something else.
When the noun "prey" and the preposition "on" are combined, the resulting phrase "prey on" indicates the action of hunting, attacking, or exploiting something or someone weaker or more vulnerable.
Idioms with the word PREY ON
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prey on sb
The idiom "prey on sb" means to exploit, take advantage of, or victimize someone, typically in a harmful or unfair manner. It implies intentionally targeting and exploiting the weaknesses, vulnerabilities, or innocence of another person for personal gain or malicious purposes.
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prey on somebody’s mind
The idiom "prey on somebody’s mind" means to constantly occupy and disturb someone's thoughts or cause them worry and anxiety. It describes a situation where a person's mind is consumed by a particular problem, concern, or obsession, leading to a continuous cycle of thoughts revolving around it.
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prey on sb's mind
The idiom "prey on someone's mind" means to constantly occupy or nag someone's thoughts, causing them to be anxious, worried, or unable to focus on anything else. It refers to a situation or concern that continually troubles and dominates one's thinking.
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prey on mind
The idiom "prey on mind" means to continually bother or worry someone, occupying their thoughts or conscience. It refers to a situation or concern that one can't stop thinking about, causing anxiety or distress.
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prey on sth
The idiom "prey on something" means to exploit, take advantage of, or harm someone or something vulnerable for personal gain or satisfaction. It often implies predatory behavior or targeting weakness to achieve one's objectives.
