prey

Universal Words noun, verb noun [U,sing.] 1 an animal, a bird, etc. that is hunted, killed and eaten by another: The lion will often stalk its prey for hours. * birds of prey (= birds that kill for food) 2 a person who is harmed or deceived by sb, especially for dishonest purposes: Elderly people are easy prey for dishonest salesmen. IDIOMS be / fall prey to sth (formal) 1 (of an animal) to be killed and eaten by another animal or bird: Many small birds and rodents fall prey to the domestic cat. 2 (of a person) to be harmed or affected by sth bad: Since the attack, she had fallen prey to irrational fears. verb IDIOMS prey on sb's mind (of a thought, problem, etc.) to make sb think and worry about it all the time: The thought that he could have helped more preyed on his mind. PHRASALVERBS prey on / upon sb/sth 1 (of an animal or a bird) to hunt and kill another animal for food: Hawks prey on rodents and small birds. 2 to harm sb who is weaker than you, or make use of them in a dishonest way to get what you want: Bogus social workers have been preying on old people living alone.