victim
VIHK-tihm
Victim (noun) means a person who is harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, disease, or other misfortune. Example: “The charity supports victims of domestic abuse.”
noun
1
A person who is harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, disease, or other misfortune.
"The charity supports victims of domestic abuse."
"Three people were named as victims of the fraud scheme."
"The victim of the car accident was taken to hospital."
2
A living creature that is sacrificed, especially in a religious ritual.
"In the ancient ceremony, a goat was offered as the sacrificial victim."
"Ancient priests believed the gods would accept an animal victim at the altar."
"The story describes a lamb chosen as the victim for the festival."
How to use victim
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone (or something) harmed by a crime, accident, or misfortune — or a creature offered in sacrifice.
Common pairings
victim of crime
fall victim to
innocent victim
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Word forms
- Plural
- victims
- Third person singular
- victims
- Past tense
- victimed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The charity supports _____ of domestic abuse.
Etymology
From Latin victima, "sacrificial animal," via Middle French victime.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “victim” mean?
The word “victim” means a person who is harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, disease, or other misfortune. In plain terms, someone (or something) harmed by a crime, accident, or misfortune — or a creature offered in sacrifice.
How do you pronounce “victim”?
“Victim” is pronounced VIHK-tihm (/ˈvɪktɪm/ in IPA).
How do you use “victim” in a sentence?
Here is “victim” used in a sentence: “The charity supports victims of domestic abuse.”
What is another word for “victim”?
Words with a similar meaning to “victim” include injured party.
What is the opposite of “victim”?
The opposite of “victim” — its antonyms — is offender.
What part of speech is “victim”?
“Victim” is a noun.
Where does the word “victim” come from?
The word “victim” comes from Latin. From Latin victima, "sacrificial animal," via Middle French victime.
Is “victim” a common word?
“Victim” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a victim and a survivor?
Both refer to someone harmed by crime, disaster, or illness, but the tone differs. Victim emphasises the harm done and the person's suffering. Survivor emphasises that they came through it and endured. Many people prefer survivor because it stresses strength and recovery rather than helplessness.
What is the difference between a victim and a casualty?
Victim is the broader word for anyone harmed by a crime, accident, disease, or misfortune. Casualty is more specific, usually meaning a person killed or injured in a war, disaster, or accident. All casualties are victims, but not every victim is called a casualty.
What does it mean to 'play the victim'?
To play the victim is to act as though you are being wronged or are helpless in order to gain sympathy, avoid blame, or influence others, even when this is exaggerated or untrue. It is a critical phrase, implying the person's victimhood is chosen or performed rather than real.
What is an example of victim in a sentence?
For example: 'She was the victim of a burglary while on holiday.' Here victim names the person harmed by a crime. The word applies just as naturally to accidents and illness, as in a victim of the flood or a cancer victim.
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