fall prey to — to become a victim of something harmful or undesirable
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to become a victim of something harmful or undesirable
Pronunciation (IPA): /fɔːl preɪ tuː/
Example Sentences
- Students often fall prey to expensive textbook scams at the beginning of each semester.
- My diet plan fell prey to the irresistible smell of freshly baked pizza.
- Small businesses often fall prey to unfair competition from large corporations.
fall prey to
NOUN[/fɔːl preɪ tuː/]
to become a victim of something harmful or undesirable
Tourists fall prey to a clever pickpocket in the crowded market square.
When you fall prey to debt, you pray to find a way!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'prey' derives from Latin 'praeda', meaning plunder or spoils of war. Originally denoting hunted animals or objects of pillage, it evolved to signify a victim or target. The phrase 'fall prey to' combines this noun with the verb 'fall', creating an idiomatic expression meaning to become a victim of someone's malice or an unfortunate circumstance.
Breakdown
fall (to become, to descend into a state) + prey (from Latin praeda, a victim or hunted animal) + to (toward, indicating direction or recipient of the action). The construction metaphorically describes succumbing to harm or becoming victimized.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Students often fall prey to expensive textbook scams at the beginning of each semester.”
“My diet plan fell prey to the irresistible smell of freshly baked pizza.”
“Small businesses often fall prey to unfair competition from large corporations.”
“My homework fell prey to my hungry dog who apparently loves the taste of math problems.”
📚Related Words
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