scapegoat
Scapegoat (noun) means a person blamed for a problem or failure that was not really their fault, often to protect others. Example: “The junior analyst became the scapegoat when the deal fell through.”
How to use scapegoat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who takes the blame so everyone else is off the hook — whether or not it's fair.
Don't confuse with "escape goat," a common mishearing of the original phrase.
Word forms
scapegoated past tense, scapegoats plural, scapegoats singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The junior analyst became the _____ when the deal fell through.
Etymology
Coined by the 16th-century Bible translator William Tyndale from "scape" (escape) + "goat," describing an ancient ritual in which a goat symbolically carried away a community's sins into the wilderness.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for scapegoat
See all rhymes for scapegoat →Frequently asked questions
What does “scapegoat” mean?
The word “scapegoat” means a person blamed for a problem or failure that was not really their fault, often to protect others. In plain terms, someone who takes the blame so everyone else is off the hook — whether or not it's fair.
How do you pronounce “scapegoat”?
“Scapegoat” is pronounced SKAYP-goht (/ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scapegoat” in a sentence?
Here is “scapegoat” used in a sentence: “The junior analyst became the scapegoat when the deal fell through.”
What is another word for “scapegoat”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scapegoat” include sacrificial lamb, escapegoat, fall guy, folk devil, goat and patsy.
What part of speech is “scapegoat”?
Depending on how it is used, “scapegoat” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scapegoat” come from?
The word “scapegoat” dates back to around 1500. Coined by the 16th-century Bible translator William Tyndale from "scape" (escape) + "goat," describing an ancient ritual in which a goat symbolically carried away a community's sins into the wilderness.
Is “scapegoat” a common word?
“Scapegoat” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “scapegoat” have?
“Scapegoat” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person blamed for a problem or failure that was not really their fault, often to protect others.