an animal hunted or seized for food, esp. by a carnivorous animal.

a person or thing that is the victim of an enemy, a swindler, a disease, etc.; gull.

the action or habit of preying

a beast of prey.

Archaic . booty or plunder.

to seize and devour prey, as an animal does (usually fol. by on or upon )

Foxes prey on rabbits.

to make raids or attacks for booty or plunder

The Vikings preyed on coastal settlements.

to exert a harmful or destructive influence

His worries preyed upon his mind.

to victimize another or others (usually fol. by on or upon )

loan sharks that prey upon the poor.

noun

attacker

noun

casualty , chased , dupe * , game , kill , loot , mark , martyr , mug * , pillage , quarry , quest , raven , spoil , sufferer , underdog , victim