victim

noun

vic·​tim ˈvik-təm How to pronounce victim (audio)
Synonyms of victimnext
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.
According to police, the 62-year-old victim was beaten and severely injured, resulting in extensive and ongoing hospitalization. Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 22 Dec. 2025 The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and was alert, conscious and breathing at the time of transport, authorities said. Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025 Advertisement The Justice Department appeared to try to highlight Clinton in the release, with two agency spokespeople posting images of the former President posing with victims on social media. Nandika Chatterjee, Time, 21 Dec. 2025 After the review, it was determined there is no evidence that any Epstein victims are depicted in the photograph, and it has been reposted without any alteration or redaction. Liz Napolitano,dan Mangan, CNBC, 21 Dec. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Victim.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victim. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

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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