predator

predator — noun

1. an animal that gets food by hunting and eating other creatures.

1.名詞C1
釋義

an animal that gets food by hunting and eating other creatures.

例句

In winter, the wolf is a predator that follows deer across snow.

predator + that-clause

Small fish dart into rocks when predators circle above the shallow pool.

同義詞
  • hunter

    broader and more general; can be a person or an animal

  • carnivore

    biology term that focuses on diet, not on active hunting

  • raptor

    used mainly for birds of prey such as eagles or hawks

反義詞
  • prey

    an animal hunted or eaten by another animal

文法句型

adjective + predator

predator + of + animal/group

用法筆記

Usually used for wild animals and often contrasted with 'prey'. Distinguish from sense 2, which refers to people or groups that target victims.

常見錯誤

❌The cow is a predator because it eats grass.
✅The lion is a predator because it hunts other animals.
💡a predator feeds on animals, not plants.

2. a person or organization that looks for people who are easier to harm, trick, or

2.名詞C1
釋義

a person or organization that looks for people who are easier to harm, trick, or use unfairly.

例句

Parents warned the children about online predators in game chat rooms.

online predator

Police arrested a predator who waited near the last train for lone women.

predator + who + verb

同義詞
  • abuser

    stresses harming someone through cruel or controlling behavior

  • exploiter

    stresses taking unfair advantage for gain

  • stalker

    narrower; stresses following and watching a victim

  • attacker

    broader; focuses on the act of attack, not on repeated targeting

反義詞
  • protector

    someone who keeps others safe instead of using them

  • victim

    someone harmed or targeted by another person

文法句型

online/sexual/corporate + predator

predator + who + verb

用法筆記

Often modified by words such as 'online', 'sexual', or 'corporate'. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense is about harming or exploiting victims, not animals feeding on prey.

常見錯誤

❌My brother is a predator because he likes fishing.
✅My brother is a hunter because he likes fishing.
💡this sense suggests harming or exploiting victims, not simply chasing animals.