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

Revenues would be directed to crime and victim services, mental health services for veterans and youth, and school safety programs. —Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

De Souza was among the many artists to contribute to Cardinals at the Window, a compilation to benefit hurricane victims in western North Carolina. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 29 Oct. 2024

Its most recent data for Wisconsin, from 2023, shows the hotline received 256 tips which led to 109 cases and 211 victims. —Ricardo Torres, Journal Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2024

Authorities have not publicly identified the victim, who is being referred to as a John Doe. —Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 28 Oct. 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