What does "prey on" mean?

Hunt or take advantage of something weaker. For example: Sharks prey on smaller fish.

prey on

phrasal verb·1 sense·particle on

Meanings

Why “on”? An action is directed onto a person, thing or weakness as its target.

“Sharks prey on smaller fish.”

Sharks hunt smaller fish as their prey.

“Scammers prey on lonely people.”

Scammers take advantage of lonely people.

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“Sharks prey on smaller fish.” What does it mean?

Nearby in the meaning map

Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.

cheat on

Same on pattern: target

Be unfaithful to a partner

dote on

Same on pattern: target

Show extreme affection toward someone

fall on

Same on pattern: target

Attack someone fiercely

feast on

Same on pattern: target

Eat a large amount of a particular food with enjoyment

feed on

Same on pattern: target

Eat a particular food regularly

frown on

Same on pattern: target

Disapprove of something

gang up on

Same on pattern: target

Join together as a group to threaten or attack one person

lean on

Same on pattern: target

Pressure someone strongly to do something

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