Have you ever heard someone say they “fell prey to” something or someone? This phrase is often used to describe a situation in which someone becomes a victim or is caught by something or someone. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “be/fall prey to.”
Definitions
To be prey to something means to be vulnerable or susceptible to it. Falling prey to something means to become a victim of it or to be caught by it. The phrase is often used to describe a negative situation, such as falling prey to a scam or becoming prey to a predator.
Origin
The phrase “be/fall prey to” has its roots in the hunting world. In the past, hunters would use the term “prey” to describe the animals they hunted. Over time, the term evolved to include humans who were vulnerable to certain situations or individuals.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, “prey” means “an animal taken by a predator as food.” The dictionary also defines the phrase “fall prey to” as “to become a victim of (something).”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines “prey” as “an animal that is hunted and killed by another for food.” The dictionary also notes that the phrase “fall prey to” is often used to describe someone who has become a victim of a scam or fraud.
Associations
The phrase “be/fall prey to” is often associated with negative situations, such as falling prey to a scam or becoming prey to a predator. It can also be used to describe situations in which someone is vulnerable or susceptible to something, such as falling prey to a disease or addiction.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “be/fall prey to” include:
- Become a victim of.
- Be caught by.
- Be vulnerable to.
- Succumb to.
- Be taken in by.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for “be/fall prey to” include:
- Resist.
- Avoid.
- Overcome.
- Prevail over.
- Conquer.
The same root words
The word “prey” comes from the Latin word “praeda,” which means “booty” or “spoils of war.” The word has also been linked to the Latin word “prehendere,” which means “to seize.”
Example Sentences
- She fell prey to a phishing scam and lost all her money.
- Many people have fallen prey to addiction in recent years.
- The young deer was prey to the wolf that had been stalking it for days.
- He was vulnerable to the virus because of his weakened immune system.
- The company fell prey to a hostile takeover bid and was forced to sell.
In conclusion, the phrase “be/fall prey to” is used to describe situations in which someone is vulnerable or susceptible to something, or when someone becomes a victim of something or someone. The phrase has its roots in the hunting world and has evolved to include humans who are vulnerable to certain situations or individuals. It is often associated with negative situations and can be used to describe a variety of scenarios.