predatory
UK: ˈpredət(ə)ri | US: ˈpredətɔːri
adj. relating to or characterized by plundering, exploiting, or preying on others
adj. (of an animal) living by killing and eating other animals
adj. (figuratively) aggressively seeking to exploit or dominate others
predatory = predat<prey> + ory<adjective suffix>
- predat (from Latin praedari "to prey upon," derived from praeda "prey")
- ory (adjective-forming suffix indicating "relating to" or "characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
The word predatory traces back to Latin praedatorius, meaning "pertaining to plundering." The root praeda (prey) reflects the idea of seizing or exploiting resources, originally in the context of hunting. Over time, the term expanded metaphorically to describe human behaviors (e.g., economic exploitation) while retaining its literal zoological sense. The suffix -ory solidifies its adjectival form, linking it to actions or traits.
Lions are predatory animals that hunt in packs.
The company was accused of predatory pricing to eliminate competitors.
Sharks exhibit highly predatory behavior in their natural habitat.
Critics condemned the landlord’s predatory rent increases.
The documentary exposed the predatory tactics of online scams.