Simple Definition of vicarious

from our Learner's Dictionary

vicarious

adjective

: experienced or felt by watching, hearing about, or reading about someone else rather than by doing something yourself
a vicarious experience
vicarious joy/suffering
a vicarious thrill

Cite this Entry

“Vicarious.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/vicarious. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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