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.
Democratic members of Congress have objected to the wave of settler violence, arguing that U.S. citizens are falling victim. Noah Robertson The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 26 July 2025 Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins drew parallels to other high-profile cases, suggesting the victim, Latasha White, deserves the same level of respect and investigation as Crystal Rogers and Breonna Taylor. Marina Johnson, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025 Unhappy with Putin's lack of apology, Aliyev reiterated on Monday his demand for Russia to publicly acknowledge responsibility, punish those responsible, and compensate victims' families and the airline. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025 After running to the Holmes Beach Police Department around 1:37 p.m., the victim was treated at Blake Hospital. Michael Nied, People.com, 25 July 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 29 Jul. 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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