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 of victim

• fatality
• casualty
• prey

Examples of victim in a Sentence

the victims of a hoax

He was the victim of an error.

Recent Examples on the Web

Police also formally identified Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, Lucy Muteke, as among the victims in their new statement. — Arkansas Online, 2 Oct. 2026

Despite the consistent support of victims’ advocates and other lawmakers, the legislation has never made it to the House for a vote. — Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Clinkunbroomer’s parents, sister and brother gave a series of emotional victim impact statements in court Thursday. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Investigators have not said what started the violence, which left both victims with injuries. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026

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

Rhymes for victim

• dictum

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