Definition of the word prey upon

The phrase "prey upon" can be traced back to the Middle English period, during the 14th century. It was formed by combining two words, "prey" and "upon". "Prey" originally came from the Old English word "prēoge", which meant "capture" or "hunting quarry". This word evolved through Middle English to refer specifically to an animal that is hunted or caught by a predator. "Upon" has a more complex history, originating in the Old English word "upān", which meant "in the direction of" or "towards". Over time, its meaning shifted to indicate motion or action directed towards a particular object or location. In the case of "prey upon", the meaning evolved to indicate an action or behavior in which a predator engages in the capture or exploitation of prey. The phrase "prey" here refers to the animal or person being hunted or exploited, while "upon" indicates the motion or action directed towards the prey by the predator. Overall, the phrase "prey upon" encapsulates the relationship between predator and prey in a concise and descriptive manner, highlighting the predatory behavior and the vulnerable nature of the prey.