fall victim to — to become a victim of something harmful or unfortunate
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to become a victim of something harmful or unfortunate
Pronunciation (IPA): /fɔːl ˈvɪktɪm tuː/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother fell victim to a fake lottery scam and lost her savings.
- I fell victim to the 'buy one get ten free' sale and now my closet is full of useless gadgets.
- Students often fall victim to procrastination during exam periods.
fall victim to
NOUN[/fɔːl ˈvɪktɪm tuː/]
to become a victim of something harmful or unfortunate
to become a victim of something harmful or unfortunate
By the tall building's wall, he falls victim to it all!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrasal verb combines 'fall' (from Old English fallan, meaning to drop or descend) with 'victim' (from Latin victima, meaning sacrificial offering or sacrifice). The phrase developed metaphorically to mean becoming trapped or succumbing to someone's deception or a harmful situation, as if one has 'fallen' into a vulnerable position like a sacrificial victim.
Breakdown
fall (Old English fallan, to drop/descend) + victim (Latin victima, sacrificial offering). The combination creates a metaphor where 'falling' into a victim's state represents becoming ensnared or harmed.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother fell victim to a fake lottery scam and lost her savings.”
“I fell victim to the 'buy one get ten free' sale and now my closet is full of useless gadgets.”
“Students often fall victim to procrastination during exam periods.”
“He fell victim to his own success and became arrogant.”
📚Related Words
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