noun/verbpl: preys (verb); prey or preys (noun)
presa
1. (noun) An animal hunted or killed by another for food
The lion stalked its prey across the savanna.
O leão perseguia sua presa pela savana.
2. (noun) A person or thing that is vulnerable to attack or exploitation
Con artists often target elderly people as easy prey.
Os golpistas frequentemente visam idosos como presas fáceis.
3. (verb) To hunt or search for food; to feed on
Eagles prey on small rodents and fish.
As águias se alimentam de pequenos roedores e peixes.
4. (verb) To affect someone's mind causing worry or distress
The guilt preyed on his conscience.
A culpa pesava em sua consciência.
In both Brazilian and American English, 'prey' is commonly used metaphorically in discussions about crime, fraud, and social vulnerability. The phrase 'fall prey to' is particularly common in media discussing victimization. In Brazilian Portuguese, 'presa' maintains similar connotations but 'vítima' is often preferred in social contexts discussing human victims of crime.
NYC Slang
mark (when referring to a person being targeted for exploitation)
Related Idioms & Phrases
fall prey to (something) - tornar-se vítima de
prey on (someone's) mind - preocupar, pesar na consciência
bird of prey - ave de rapina
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