prey on

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They say the schemes prey on fear of the legal system and the social stigma that comes with being associated with criminal investigations, trapping even highly educated professionals.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

“And those individuals who prey on children for their own sexual gratification will be identified, they will be arrested, and they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2026

Dr Izzy Langley, of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, said there was growing evidence grey seals prey on a wider range of marine mammals than previously thought.

From BBC • Mar. 2, 2026

Like many members of the wolf snake group, they are non-venomous and likely prey on small vertebrates such as reptiles, amphibians and rodents.

From Science Daily • Dec. 5, 2025

I squeeze my lids shut tight for a moment, to track her as I would prey on a hunt.

From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins