victim

noun

vic·​tim ˈvik-təm 

1

: one that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent

the schools are victims of the social system

: such as

a(1)

: one that is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions

a victim of cancer

a victim of the auto crash

a murder victim

(2)

: one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment

a frequent victim of political attacks

b

: one that is tricked or duped

a con man's victim

2

: a living being sacrificed to a deity or in the performance of a religious rite

victimhood

ˈvik-təm-ˌhu̇d 

noun

Synonyms

• casualty
• fatality
• loss
• prey

Examples of victim in a Sentence

the victims of a hoax

He was the victim of an error.

Recent Examples on the Web

The move drew immediate condemnation from the abuse victims and their attorneys, whose lawsuits were effectively paused while a bankruptcy judge reviewed the church’s finances and assets. —Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024

When asked if the injuries appeared to have come from the victim’s own hunting party or another hunter, Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting responded that more information would be released after the weekend. —Matt Henson, Twin Cities, 9 Nov. 2024

The genomic data, combined with the location and positions of the victims, also challenged our conceptions of traditional gender and family roles. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 7 Nov. 2024

The horror-novel-inspiring creatures survive entirely on the blood of their victims. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin victima; perhaps akin to Old High German wīh holy

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing victim

• fall victim to
• fashion victim
• victim mentality

Kids Definition

victim

noun

vic·​tim ˈvik-təm 

1

: a living being offered as a sacrifice in a religious rite

2

: an individual injured or killed (as by disease or accident)

3

: a person cheated, fooled, or harmed by another