predatory

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprɛdət(ə)ri/

adjective

  • 1(of an animal) preying naturally on others: predatory species of shark
  • 2seeking to exploit others: she always felt at the mercy of predatory men

Derivatives

predatorily

adverb

predatoriness

noun

Origin:

late 16th century (in the sense 'relating to plundering'): from Latin praedatorius, from praedator 'plunderer' (see predator)