Victim - Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary
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victim
victim noun \?vik-t?m\
Definition of VICTIM
1
: a living being sacrificed to a deity or in the performance of a religious rite
2
: one that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent <the schools are victims of the social system>: 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>
 victimhood \-?hu?d\ noun
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Examples of VICTIM
the victims of a hoax
He was the victim of an error.
Origin of VICTIM
Latin victima; perhaps akin to Old High German wh holy
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to VICTIM
Synonyms: fatality, loss, prey, casualty
Related Words: loser, underdog; martyr, sacrifice; collateral damage; murderee
Near Antonyms: gainer, victor, winner; harmer, injurer; assassin, killer, murderer
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Rhymes with VICTIM
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "victim"
Spanish-English Dictionary: Translation of "victim"
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victim
victim noun \?vik-t?m\
Definition of VICTIM
1
: a living being sacrificed to a deity or in the performance of a religious rite
2
: one that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent <the schools are victims of the social system>: 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>
 victimhood \-?hu?d\ noun
Examples of VICTIM
the victims of a hoax
He was the victim of an error.
Origin of VICTIM
Latin victima; perhaps akin to Old High German wh holy
First Known Use: 15th century
Related to VICTIM
Rhymes with VICTIM
Learn More About VICTIM
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