Fall victim Meaning in English
expression
ˈfɑɫ/, /ˈfɔɫ/ /ˈvɪktəm/, /ˈvɪktɪm
FAWL VIK-tum
fˈɔːl/ /vˈɪktɪm
FAWL VIK-tim
Definition
To suffer harm or be badly affected by something, often unexpectedly or through no fault of your own. Usually used to describe becoming the victim of crime, deception, or unfortunate events.
Usage & Nuances
Semi-formal to neutral. Common with 'fall victim to' + noun (e.g., 'fall victim to fraud'). Implies being harmed by external factors, not by one’s own actions. Don't use for positive things.
Spanish: ser víctima - caer víctimaPortuguese (BR): ser vítima - cair vítimaPortuguese (PT): ser vítima - cair vítimaChinese (Simplified): 成为受害者 - 成为牺牲品Chinese (Traditional): 成為受害者 - 成為犧牲品Hindi: शिकार होनाArabic: يقع ضحيةBengali: শিকার হওয়া - ক্ষতিগ্রস্ত হওয়াRussian: жертвой стать - пострадатьJapanese: 犠牲になる - 被害に遭うVietnamese: trở thành nạn nhânKorean: 희생양이 되다 - 피해를 입다Turkish: kurban olmakUrdu: شکار بنناIndonesian: menjadi korban
Example Sentences
Many people fall victim to online scams each year.
basic
He fell victim to a terrible virus last winter.
basic
Don't fall victim to fake news on the internet.
basic
She fell victim to a classic tourist trap when she visited Rome.
natural
After the storm, many homes fell victim to flooding.
natural
He didn’t lock his bike and soon fell victim to theft.
natural