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

For those looking to donate, The American Red Cross is working alongside its partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support and health services for victims of the LA Fires. —Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Searching for victims The death toll is likely to rise, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. —Josh Dubose, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025

Prosecutors have not even publicly named the victims; The Times identified them through public records and law enforcement sources. —Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025

While some federal emergency relief funds will come to victims quickly, additional money to rebuild infrastructure, homes and businesses is likely to flow much more slowly. —David Lightman, Sacramento Bee, 15 Jan. 2025

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