English Dictionary

prey on

verb

(transitive) To eat (as prey). / (transitive, figuratively) To exploit or victimize. / (transitive, figuratively) To weigh heavily upon (a person's mind).

Lions prey on zebras in the wild.

意味（1）

(transitive) To eat (as prey).

Owls prey on small mammals, such as mice.

意味（2）

(transitive, figuratively) To exploit or victimize.

Bradford had preyed on Villa's inability to defend set pieces, corners in particular, in their first-leg win and took advantage of the weakness again as Hanson equalised to restore their two-goal aggregate lead.

意味（3）

(transitive, figuratively) To weigh heavily upon (a person's mind).

The past—to me, the dreadful past !—is one eternal present ; and the Promethean vulture of remorse preys on me now, and for ever.