predatory

• Prédateur ou prédateur au sens figuré : qui s'attaque à d'autres pour se nourrir, ou qui exploite autrui de manière agressive ou abusive pour son propre profit.

Describes a person, animal, or behavior that involves attacking, exploiting, or living off others for gain or survival. It can refer to both biological hunting behavior and figurative exploitation in financial, social, or other contexts.

1. Living by preying on other animals especially by catching living preyB2formalscientific

   Describing an organism that survives by hunting, killing, and consuming other living creatures. This biological characteristic involves specific adaptations for capturing and subduing prey, such as sharp claws, keen senses, or venom. It forms a fundamental part of food webs and ecological dynamics.

   prédateur (qui vit de proies)

   • The lion is a classic example of a predatory carnivore at the top of the food chain.
   • Many predatory birds, like hawks and eagles, have exceptional eyesight for spotting prey from great distances.
   • The introduction of a non-native predatory fish devastated the local aquatic ecosystem.
   • The praying mantis is a highly efficient predatory insect, ambushing its victims with lightning speed.
   • Deep-sea anglerfish use a bioluminescent lure as part of their predatory strategy.

   Synonymescarnivorouspredaceouspredaciousrapaciousraptorial

   Antonymesprey

2. Characterized by plundering or pillaging or maraudingB2formal

   Relating to actions, behavior, or individuals that involve aggressive exploitation, theft, or destruction for personal or organizational gain. This meaning extends beyond the biological realm to describe human activities like corporate takeovers, exploitative lending practices, or military raids, always carrying a strongly negative and condemnatory connotation.

   Prédateur (au sens de pillage)

   • The tribe launched a series of predatory raids against neighboring settlements for livestock and grain.
   • Regulators accused the bank of predatory lending, trapping vulnerable borrowers in unpayable debt.
   • The company's predatory pricing strategy was designed to bankrupt smaller competitors.
   • The Vikings were renowned for their swift, predatory attacks along the European coast.
   • He exhibited a predatory charm, manipulating people for his own financial and social advancement.

   Synonymeslootingmaraudingpillagingplunderingraidingrapaciousvoracious