predator

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprɛdətə/

noun

  • 1an animal that naturally preys on others: wolves are major predators of small mammals
  • 2a person who ruthlessly exploits others: a sexual predator
  • a company that tries to take over another: a defensive move to prevent the business falling into the hands of an overseas predator

Origin:

1920s: from Latin praedator 'plunderer', from praedat- 'seized as plunder', from the verb praedari (see predation)

Spelling help

The ending of predator is spelled -or.