Predative

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Having a tendency to hunt, exploit, or prey on other creatures or people for gain
2. Describing a nature or behavior inclined to seize, pursue, or live off others
3. Relating to the habit of attacking and feeding upon other living things

Etymology: "Predative" is a rare adjective formed in English by adding the suffix "-ive" to "predat-", the stem of "predation". The "-ive" ending means "tending to" or "having the nature of," so the word describes something inclined toward preying on or plundering others. Its root, "predation," comes from the Latin "praedari," to plunder or seize as booty, which is also the source of "predator." Because the word is built transparently from a familiar base and suffix, its meaning follows directly from its parts: a predative behaviour or temperament is one given to hunting, exploiting or despoiling others. It is a derivative rather than an inherited term, and it remains uncommon compared with its close relatives "predatory" and "predacious."