Poacher
/ˈpoʊtʃər/
nounB2
Definition
A poacher is someone who hunts or catches animals in a way that breaks the law. This often happens in places where hunting is not allowed or for animals that are protected. Poaching is illegal because it can harm wildlife and nature.
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See It in Action
A person who hunts or catches animals illegally
- •The poacher was caught trying to hunt elephants in the national park.
- •Poachers often target animals that are rare or protected by law.
- •The forest rangers work hard to stop poachers from harming wildlife.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'poacher' like 'hunter' (A1 word), but a poacher breaks the rules and hunts where they should not.
- ✓Picture a quiet forest where someone is secretly catching animals without permission.
- ✓It's the feeling of doing something wrong or secret because you want something valuable, like rare animals.
- ✓Sounds like 'POACH-er' → imagine someone 'poaching' eggs from a nest, but here it means taking animals illegally.
- ✓In stories or movies, poachers are often shown as sneaky people who harm nature for money or food.
- ✓NOT like 'hunter' (who hunts legally with permission), a poacher is illegal and secretive.
- ✓NOT like 'ranger' (who protects animals), a poacher tries to take animals away from nature.
- ✓NOT like 'fisherman' (who usually fishes legally), a poacher catches fish or animals without permission.
Try Other Words
- •Illegal hunter: someone who hunts without permission (Use when you want to be very clear about the law-breaking aspect)
- •Wildlife thief: a person who steals animals from nature (Use when emphasizing stealing animals, not just hunting)
- •Gamebreaker: someone who breaks hunting rules (Use in informal or specific hunting contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: 'poach' (to hunt or catch illegally) + '-er' (a person who does something)
- •Etymology: 'Poach' comes from Old French 'pochier,' meaning to bag or pocket something secretly
- •Historical development: Originally meant to steal game from another's land; now means illegal hunting or fishing
- •Modern usage: Used mainly to describe people who illegally hunt animals, often for profit or food
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people become poachers even though it is illegal and harmful?
•How can communities protect animals better from poachers?
Fill in the blanks
1.A poacher breaks the law because they hunt animals ___ permission or in protected areas.
2.Forest rangers try to catch poachers to ___ wildlife from harm.
3.Unlike a legal hunter, a poacher works ___ and secretly.
4.Poachers often hunt animals that are ___ or endangered.
5.When animals become rare, poachers may ___ to catch them for money.
6.The word "poacher" sounds like "poach," which means to ___ something secretly or illegally.
7.If someone respects the law and hunts with permission, they are ___ a poacher.