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
Examples of victim in a Sentence
the victims of a hoax
He was the victim of an error.
Recent Examples on the Web
Not only did Hart disclose his conviction and pornography addiction to his new bosses at Crossline Church, but prior victims contacted church leadership to warn them, to no avail, the suit alleged.
—
Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
All three victims were shot and killed outside the Sky Market on 85th Avenue and International Boulevard, allegedly after the brothers attempted to purchase marijuana from another person who was at the store, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Ederheimer further explained that the bill could have a negative impact on victims and their families regarding accountability for violent offenders.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
According to new information provided by Miami police on Friday, the department's Special Victims Unit has been actively investigating crimes against children involving Pittman, and an additional victim was identified.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for victim
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Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026
All three victims were shot and killed outside the Sky Market on 85th Avenue and International Boulevard, allegedly after the brothers attempted to purchase marijuana from another person who was at the store, authorities said.
—Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026
Ederheimer further explained that the bill could have a negative impact on victims and their families regarding accountability for violent offenders.
—Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
According to new information provided by Miami police on Friday, the department's Special Victims Unit has been actively investigating crimes against children involving Pittman, and an additional victim was identified.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for victim
Cite this Entry
“Victim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victim. Accessed 26 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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