Predate (verb)

1. To exist or occur before a particular time or event.
2. To have existed or existed earlier than another organism, species or event.

Origin:

Derived from the latin word "praedatus" meaning "to plunder or to prey".

Examples:

1. It is believed that the civilization predates the Roman Empire.
2. The dinosaur fossils found in the area predate the Jurassic period.
3. The manuscript predates the invention of the printing press.
4. The custom of giving gifts on birthdays predates the modern celebration of the occasion.
5. The word "predate" itself predates the existence of the English language as we know it today, it is derived from latin.