Predator-Prey Interactions

noun a sudden swoop or spring towards something in order to attack or seize it

preposition to jump or spring on someone or something suddenly in order to attack or seize it

• The cat waited patiently for the mouse to make a move so it could pounce upon it.
• I saw the opportunity to pounce upon the last piece of pizza before anyone else could grab it.
• The salesperson tried to pounce upon me with a high-pressure pitch to buy the product.
• The team was ready to pounce upon any mistakes made by their opponents during the game.

adjective relating to or characterized by plundering or preying on others

• The predacious behavior of the company led to multiple lawsuits.
• I heard that guy is pretty predacious when it comes to business deals.
• Watch out for that predacious dude, he's always looking to scam someone.
• Her eyes had a predacious glint as she spotted the last piece of cake.

noun an attack by a wild animal

verb to attack and injure someone or something savagely

• The victim suffered severe injuries from the bear mauling.
• I heard about a guy getting mauled by a bear in the woods.
• That bear straight up mauled him, dude.
• The harsh criticism felt like a verbal mauling.