predators

IPA/ˈpred.ə.tər/
KK[prˈɛdətɚz]IPA/ˈpred.ə.t̬ɚ/

predators — noun

  • predatorssingular
  • predatorsesplural

1. A wild creature that feeds on other animals by hunting and catching them as its

1.名詞B1
釋義

A wild creature that feeds on other animals by hunting and catching them as its regular food source.

例句

In the ocean, sharks are among the most efficient predators, tracking fish by smell.

predators + among + [superlative] describing position in group

The park ranger warned hikers that wolves are dangerous predators and should never be approached.

同義詞
  • hunter

    broader term — includes humans who hunt for sport; predators only hunt for food

  • carnivore

    refers to diet (meat-eating) rather than hunting behaviour; scavengers can be carnivores but not predators

反義詞
  • prey

    the animal that is hunted and eaten by a predator

文法句型

predator + of + [prey type]

predator + like + [example species]

用法筆記

Subject is always a non-human animal. Frequently used with 'like' to introduce examples of predator species.

常見錯誤

❌Predators hunts small animals.
✅Predators hunt small animals.
💡'Predators' is plural, so the verb must be 'hunt' without an -s.
❌The lion is a predator, it hunt other animals.
✅The lion is a predator that hunts other animals.
💡Use 'that' to introduce the relative clause describing what the predator does.

2. A person who secretly watches and pursues others in order to steal from, hurt, o

2.名詞B2
釋義

A person who secretly watches and pursues others in order to steal from, hurt, or attack them, especially people who appear weak or unprotected.

例句

Police caught a predator who followed elderly people home from the bank to rob them.

predator who + [relative clause about criminal action]

The detective taught families how to spot a predator in public places like parks.

spot a predator in [location]

同義詞
  • stalker

    more specific — focuses on following someone repeatedly, not necessarily to rob or attack

  • attacker

    broader term — describes someone who commits any kind of physical assault

反義詞

文法句型

[modifier] + predator

predator who + [criminal action]

用法筆記

Frequently used in law-enforcement and online-safety contexts. Often paired with a modifier such as 'online', 'sexual', or 'street' that specifies the type of threat.

常見錯誤

❌The predator followed him to his car.
✅A predator followed the elderly man to his car after he left the bank.
💡Make the context clear: the word implies criminal intent, not just casual following.

3. A person, company, or group that takes unfair advantage of weaker people in orde

3.名詞C1
釋義

A person, company, or group that takes unfair advantage of weaker people in order to gain money, power, or other benefits for themselves.

例句

Large corporations sometimes act as predators, buying out small businesses and destroying local livelihoods.

act as predators + [exploitative pattern in business]

The loan shark was a financial predator who charged desperate families impossible interest rates.

financial predator + [type of exploitation]

同義詞
  • exploiter

    more formal and less common; focuses specifically on taking unfair advantage

  • opportunist

    broader — not always negative; can describe someone who seizes any chance, fair or unfair

反義詞
  • victim

    the person who is exploited or harmed

  • protector

    someone who defends others from exploitation

文法句型

[adjective] + predator

predator who + [exploitative action]

用法筆記

Subject is typically a person or an organization, not an animal. Common in discussions of business ethics, finance, and social justice.

常見錯誤

❌My boss is a predator because he is strict.
✅My boss is a predator because he takes credit for work that his team did.
💡'Predator' implies unfair exploitation for personal gain, not just harsh management.