Learn English – “victim to” or “victim of”

prepositions

I know that if you fall victim to something or someone, you suffer as a result of them, or you are killed by them. But this rule is also not followed hard and fast, like in the sentence given below:

You either take what you want or become a victim to someone else who
will.

So I would like someone to clarify in which context to use "to" and "for" with the word "victim".

Best Answer

Fall victim to is a complete idiom in English and is generally used with diseases, disasters, and other catastrophic situations. Otherwise, use victim of.

In the 14th century, about half of Europe's population fell victim to the plague.

Don't click on unknown links in your email or you might fall victim to a phishing scheme.

Mary is the latest victim of the pickpocket.

Don't become a victim of habit.