Refers to an animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal. Often used in the phrase 餌食になる (to become prey).
The lion made the zebra its prey.
Small fish become prey for larger fish.
Used figuratively for a person who falls victim to a crime, scam, or misfortune. Often appears as 餌食になる.
He fell victim to a scam.
Many people became victims of that fraudulent business practice.
The small fish became prey to the larger fish.
He ended up falling victim to a scam.
The unscrupulous businesses prey on elderly people.