Prey upon Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Vulnerability Focus Used when someone takes advantage of others when they're in a weak or vulnerable state. Loan sharks often prey upon those in desperate financial need. Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation Has a negative feel, implying someone is being used or treated unfairly. Scammers prey upon people's trust to deceive them. Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Leverage Often involves manipulating someone's emotions to exploit them. Advertisers sometimes prey upon our insecurities to sell beauty products.