C1nounenvironmentcrime
US/ˈpoʊ.tʃər/
UK/ˈpəʊ.tʃə/
a person who illegally hunts or catches animals or fish on land that belongs to someone else or is protected
In context
Rangers arrested two poachers who were carrying the horns of a rhino.
Poachers kill thousands of elephants every year for their tusks.
The village used to rely on fishing, but poachers have emptied the lake.
Words that go with poacher
verb + noun
- catch a poacherCameras hidden in the park helped rangers catch a poacher.
- arrest a poacherPolice arrested a poacher with a rifle near the reserve.
noun + noun
- elephant poacherThe elephant poacher was sentenced to ten years in prison.
adjective + noun
- armed poachersArmed poachers often attack the rangers who try to stop them.
- illegal poacherEvery illegal poacher faces a heavy fine in this country.
verb + preposition
- protect animals from poachersGuards patrol the area day and night to protect animals from poachers.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The poachers catch the elephants for their ivory.Correct: The poachers kill the elephants for their ivory.