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Vulture Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vulture

[ˈvʌltʃər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bird of prey

A vulture is a large bird of prey with a bald head and a sharp beak, feeding mainly on carrion.

Synonyms

bird of prey, predator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vulture

This word is best used when referring to the specific type of bird that scavenges for dead animals. It can also have a negative connotation when describing a person who takes advantage of others in a difficult situation.

  • The vulture circled above, waiting for the animal to weaken.
  • During the financial crisis, he acted like a vulture, preying on struggling businesses.
bird of prey

Use this term when you want to describe any bird that hunts and eats other animals. It is a more general term and can be applied to various species like eagles, hawks, and owls.

  • The snowy owl is a fascinating bird of prey known for hunting lemmings.
  • Birds of prey play a crucial role in maintaining the balance in ecosystems.
predator

This word is suitable for describing any animal, not just birds, that hunts other animals for food. It can also describe people or entities that are excessively aggressive or exploit others, often with a negative connotation.

  • The lion is a powerful predator on the African savannah.
  • The company was seen as a predator, aggressively taking over smaller businesses.

Examples of usage

  • They watched as the vulture circled above, waiting for its next meal.
  • The vulture swooped down to feast on the remains of the animal.
Context #2 | Noun

person who preys on others

In a metaphorical sense, a vulture can refer to a person who preys on others' misfortunes or exploits them for personal gain.

Synonyms

exploiter, predator.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vulture

This term is metaphorically used to describe a person who ruthlessly takes advantage of others in difficult situations. It often has a negative connotation.

  • 'During the crisis, the vultures came out to capitalize on the suffering of others
  • ' 'The property vulture bought houses cheap from those who could no longer afford them
  • '
exploiter

This word refers to someone who treats others unfairly to benefit from their work or situations. It always has a negative meaning and is typically used in discussing unethical behavior in business or personal relationships.

  • 'The company turned out to be run by exploiters who paid their workers almost nothing
  • ' 'He is known as an exploiter of the poor
  • '
predator

This term is used to describe someone who preys on others, whether financially, physically, or emotionally. It has a strong negative implication and is often used in serious discussions about abuse or exploitation.

  • 'The investment scam was operated by financial predators
  • ' 'The online predator was caught by the police
  • '

Examples of usage

  • He was seen as a vulture, profiting off the misfortunes of others.
  • The vulture of the business world, he took advantage of the struggling company.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • Vultures are scavengers and play a crucial role in the ecosystem by eating decaying animals, which helps prevent the spread of diseases.
  • Some species can consume rotten meat containing deadly bacteria without getting sick, showcasing their unique adaptations.

Cultural Significance

  • In ancient Egyptian culture, vultures were symbols of protection and motherhood, often depicted in art and mythology.
  • Vultures are featured in various folklore and myths around the world, often representing death or transformation.

Behavioral Science

  • These birds exhibit remarkable social behaviors, often gathering in groups to feed and communicate while eating.
  • Studies show that vultures can locate food from miles away using their keen eyesight, even detecting carcasses from the air.

Conservation

  • Many vulture species are endangered due to habitat loss, poison from carcasses, and persecution, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
  • In some countries, vulture populations have declined dramatically, prompting initiatives to protect these important scavengers.

Origin of 'vulture'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vulture' comes from the Latin 'vultur,' which means 'to tear' or 'to pluck,' reflecting its feeding habits.
  • In Spanish, vultures are called 'buitres,' which also connects to their nature of scavenging.

The word 'vulture' has its origins in Latin, where 'vultur' referred to a bird of prey or scavenger. The image of the vulture as a scavenger has persisted throughout history, symbolizing death and decay. In ancient cultures, vultures were often associated with death and the afterlife. Over time, the metaphorical use of 'vulture' to describe someone who preys on others emerged, highlighting the negative connotations of the bird's behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,316, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.