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Definition of "predatory" []

  • Living by preying on other organisms: a predatory mammal; a predatory insect. (adjective)
  • Of, relating to, or characterized by plundering, pillaging, or marauding. (adjective)
  • Living by or given to exploiting or destroying others for one's own gain. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "predatory" in a sentence
  • "At the Foundation, we have coined the term "predatory proselytization" to describe the tactics of many of these groups, where vulnerable populations read poorest of the poor are targeted for conversion through coercive means such as access to jobs, health care or education -- access, of course, depending on accepting as Savior the "right God.""
  • "SEGARS: Well, that ` s-- actually you use the term predatory, and that is absolutely what happened."
  • "Meanwhile, a prominent group opposed to what it calls "predatory" gambling says colleges would be wise to look this gift horse in the mouth."