victim

noun

vic·​tim ˈvik-təm How to pronounce victim (audio)
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 noun

Examples of victim in a Sentence

the victims of a hoax He was the victim of an error.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for victim 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of victim was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near victim

Cite this Entry

“Victim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victim. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

victim

noun
vic·​tim ˈvik-təm How to pronounce victim (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on victim

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