Be/fall prey to something
phrase
To become a victim of a particular negative situation, event or harmful action.
Many small businesses fall prey to unpredictable market conditions.
Often appears as...
- fall prey to circumstances
- fall prey to manipulation
phrase
To be easily affected or harmed by something or someone.
Children may fall prey to online predators if not monitored.
Often appears as...
- fall prey to predators
- fall prey to diseases
phrase
To be deceived or exploited by someone or something.
He fell prey to a scam and lost a lot of money.
Often appears as...
- fall prey to scams
- fall prey to deception
phrase
To become a victim of a particular negative situation, event or harmful action.
Many small businesses fall prey to unpredictable market conditions.
Often appears as...
- fall prey to circumstances
- fall prey to manipulation
phrase
To be easily affected or harmed by something or someone.
Children may fall prey to online predators if not monitored.
Often appears as...
- fall prey to predators
- fall prey to diseases
phrase
To be deceived or exploited by someone or something.
He fell prey to a scam and lost a lot of money.
Often appears as...
- fall prey to scams
- fall prey to deception
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Circumstances
Used when someone can't control a bad situation affecting them.
Due to the economic downturn, he fell prey to unemployment.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't mean literal hunting prey; it's used metaphorically.
Without proper planning, you might fall prey to severe stress.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Change
Refers to sudden or unforeseeable negative changes or events.
They fell prey to the changing weather during the hike.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Circumstances
Used when someone can't control a bad situation affecting them.
Due to the economic downturn, he fell prey to unemployment.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't mean literal hunting prey; it's used metaphorically.
Without proper planning, you might fall prey to severe stress.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Change
Refers to sudden or unforeseeable negative changes or events.
They fell prey to the changing weather during the hike.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Circumstances
Used when someone can't control a bad situation affecting them.
Due to the economic downturn, he fell prey to unemployment.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
The phrase doesn't mean literal hunting prey; it's used metaphorically.
Without proper planning, you might fall prey to severe stress.
Pro Tip 3/3Unexpected Change
Refers to sudden or unforeseeable negative changes or events.
They fell prey to the changing weather during the hike.
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