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

• casualty
• fatality
• loss
• prey

Examples of victim in a Sentence

the victims of a hoax

He was the victim of an error.

Recent Examples on the Web

Here's what to know about Rogers' execution, including who his victims were. —Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 16 May 2025

The boy’s grandmother also found a handwritten note with what appeared to be the names of mass shooters and the number of victims from each shooting, the affidavit said. —Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 15 May 2025

Police said the woman was involved in an argument with a group of females when an unknown male approached on foot, pulled out a firearm and fired shots at the victim. —Deanese Williams-Harris, Chicago Tribune, 15 May 2025

The victim, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, was bitten off the Port Noarlunga jetty on Thursday, May 15. —Charna Flam, People.com, 15 May 2025

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