predator

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'predator' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word 'predator' to refer to an animal that hunts and kills other animals for food. For example: "The lion is a powerful predator in the African savanna."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The real percentage of predator priests is of course much higher," Dorris said.

The Guardian

Across the two areas are about a million pairs of Adélie penguins, more than a dozen species of whale, more than a third of the world's population of emperor penguins, abundant krill and fish species and the Ross Sea region's top predator – the toothfish, which can grow to two metres weighing 200 kilos (they've evolved special anti-freeze like proteins to survive in the frigid waters).

The Guardian

Victims believed they were opening a photo of their new online friend, but when they clicked on the bogus picture the attached file contained a Trojan virus which infected their computers, allowing the sexual predator to establish remote control.

The Guardian - Tech

Then, over our heads, came the soft swoop of a Magellanic horned owl, a glamorous giant of a predator, which seemed unperturbed by our presence in his fiefdom.

The Guardian - Travel

The most notorious of these abusers was Father Brendan Smyth, a serial sexual predator of children who even after the Catholic hierarchy learned of his crimes in the 1970s kept moving him around not only Ireland but also the United States.

The Guardian

Without trying, I also watched kestrels hovering and glimpsed the low dash of that thrilling ambush predator, the sparrowhawk.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Girl's Hitch, played by Toby Jones, is a full-blown sexual predator.

The Guardian - Film

M concerns the pursuit of a child murderer loose in Berlin; what's unusual about the film is that – frustrated by the police's lack of success – gangsters and career criminals unite to track down the predator themselves.

The Guardian - Film

On the right-hand side, down the entire length of the wall, was a shrine to Adidas that encompassed pictures of, among others, David Beckham, wearing the red-and-black stripes of Milan, with a pair of his white Predator boots – signed, of course – in a glass case.

The Guardian - Sport

Large predator expert Dave Salmoni investigates the crisis and finds that it's worsening, as the tigers are actually teaching their cubs how to hunt humans; they stalk their victims from behind and deliver a lethal blow to the neck.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Once upon a time we were creatures that responded to existential threats presented by a predator with sudden bursts of adrenalin, the flight-or-fight reflex.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In sensitive contexts, such as discussions of abuse, use "predator" with caution and awareness of the term's serious connotations.

Common error

While "predator" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who exploits or harms others, overuse can diminish the term's impact. Consider more specific terms like "exploiter", "abuser", or "manipulator" for greater precision.

Linguistic Context

The word "predator" functions primarily as a noun, denoting an animal that preys on others or, metaphorically, a person who exploits or harms others. Ludwig AI confirms that it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "predator" is a noun commonly used to describe animals that hunt other animals for food, as well as individuals who exploit or harm others. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct, with high frequency across diverse sources. It carries strong connotations, especially in metaphorical contexts, so its application requires thoughtful consideration of the specific meaning. Top sources include The Guardian and The Economist. While it has a neutral-to-formal register, its frequency and distribution depend on whether it is being used in a literal or figurative way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunter

Focuses on the act of hunting rather than the broader ecological role.

carnivore

Specifically describes an animal that eats meat, excluding other types of predators.

marauder

Emphasizes the predatory behavior related to attacking and plundering.

aggressor

Highlights the aggressive nature of a predator, whether in a physical or metaphorical sense.

attacker

Focuses on the act of attacking, without necessarily implying a hunting context.

exploiter

Implies taking unfair advantage, often in a social or economic context.

harasser

Suggests persistent unwanted attention or intimidation, often in a social context.

oppressor

Emphasizes the exertion of power to dominate or control others.

bully

Specifically refers to someone who uses their strength to intimidate or harm weaker individuals.

tormentor

Implies causing severe mental or physical suffering.

FAQs

How is "predator" used in ecological contexts?

In ecology, "predator" refers to an organism that hunts and kills other organisms for food, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. For example, a lion is a "predator" in its environment, controlling the population of herbivores.

What are some synonyms for "predator" when referring to animals?

Synonyms for "predator" in the animal kingdom include "hunter", "carnivore", and "hunter", each emphasizing different aspects of the predatory behavior.

How does the meaning of "predator" differ in a social context?

In social contexts, "predator" often refers to someone who exploits or harms others, particularly those who are vulnerable. This usage carries strong negative connotations and is often associated with abuse or exploitation.

Can "attacker" be used interchangeably with "predator"?

While "attacker" and "predator" both describe someone who initiates harm, "predator" often implies a more systematic or habitual pattern of behavior, whereas "attacker" can refer to a single incident.