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3. fall prey to

fall prey to

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fall prey to somebody/something

to be harmed by someone or something We worry that our children will fall prey to the influence of bad kids. Patients may fall prey to dishonest salespeople who say they can cure their pain.

Usage notes: sometimes used with verbs other than fall: These people are prey to superstition, disease, and hunger.

See also: fall, prey

fall prey to

To be put into such a vulnerable position as to be at risk of harm, destruction, or invasion: a person who fell prey to swindlers; did not want the country to fall prey to terrorists.

See also: fall, prey