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

Few inside and outside the Bernabeu doubt Mourinho will blow up at some point — most likely when his team suffer an unexpected defeat or are victims of a controversial refereeing decision. — Dermot Corrigan, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026

In Rushville, Hal and John learn about the death of what appear to be victims of a mass shooting, but the civilians are actually aliens and one of the bystanders is of extraterrestrial origin as well, with a nefarious agenda. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026

The policy does say the tactic should not be used on trucks carrying hazardous materials, pickup trucks with passengers in the bed of the truck, vans or buses occupied with passengers who appear to be victims or motorcycles. — Arkansas Online, 14 Aug. 2026

Click here to find organizations where people can contribute funds and resources to earthquake victims. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 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