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

In this instance, the victim’s family can file a wrongful death claim. —Nia Bowers, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

Michelle Pleasant, an Irvington resident and co-organizer of Safe Routes to School Irvington, became an advocate after Crutchfield’s death, working with the victim's mother. —Daryl Perry, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024

Shostakovich is reduced to a hapless victim of circumstance, incapable of speaking in an independent voice. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024

Javier Alvares-Garcia, 50, was the victim of a shooting that took place at 2400 South Pulaski Street, according to a news release from the Police Department. —Daniel McFadin, arkansasonline.com, 21 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