predation

noun

pre·​da·​tion pri-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce predation (audio)
1
: the killing by one living organism of another for food
These small fish are most vulnerable to predation just after sunset, when larger fish, such as barracuda and jacks, chase them into the shallow water near shore to feed on them.Anne Brooke
… elephant seals historically avoided the mainland to protect the newborns from predation by grizzly bears.Carolyn Longstreth
In other words, just as vascular plants make tannins, phenols, sterols and alkaloids to defend against predation, it is likely that cyanobacteria synthesize poisons to ward off attack by fellow planktonic species.Wayne Carmichael
: a mode of life in which food is primarily obtained by the killing and consuming of animals
Predation is important to an understanding of ancient ecology because the food chain helps determine the structure of biological communities.Derek Briggs and Harry Whittington
Weeks or months later, depending on ambient temperatures, a beetle returns to the water to resume a life of predation.Natural History
2
: the act of injuring, exploiting, or plundering others for personal gain
A burglary occurs every 10 seconds, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Such predation keeps Americans uneasy …Consumer Reports
To the traditionalists, predation is any price or product strategy intended to impose costs on a competitor.Insight

Examples of predation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some scientists worry about the broader implications of the orcas’ predation tactic and plan to research it further. Sage Marshall, Field & Stream, 6 Mar. 2024 But as beneficial as this might be for the orcas, Port and Starboard’s predation has led to the displacement of a number of shark species, according to the new paper. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Mar. 2024 The researchers built a complex computer model of community evolution with 20 different mathematical parameters including things like predation rate and baseline mortality. Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 18 Jan. 2024 The harsh environment is full of everyday heartbreak: predation, starvation, chicks that are lost at sea when their icy shoreline melts away. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 12 Feb. 2024 The mother can protect the chicks from predation, knowing she and the young will still be adequately fed. Devin Farmiloe, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2024 This striking example of convergent evolution highlights how snake venoms are not only evolving for predation but for defense as well. Scott Travers, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 That line points to a profound paradox of prison life: that what defines humanity outside prison walls makes one a target for predation inside of them, circumstances that transmute humanity into toughness, aggression, apathy. Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023 Since urchins eat kelp, otters’ predation also plays a role in helping kelp forests grow. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'predation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English predacion, from Latin praedation-, praedatio, from praedari

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of predation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near predation

Cite this Entry

“Predation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/predation. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

predation

noun
pre·​da·​tion pri-ˈdā-shən How to pronounce predation (audio)
: a way of life in which food is obtained mostly by killing and eating animals

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