victim

nounsomeone or something sacrificed, preyed upon

Synonyms for victim

noun someone or something sacrificed, preyed upon

Antonyms for victim

Word Origin & History

late 15c., "living creature killed and offered as a sacrifice to a deity or supernatural power," from Latin victima "person or animal killed as a sacrifice." Perhaps distantly connected to Old English wig "idol," Gothic weihs "holy," German weihen "consecrate" (cf. Weihnachten "Christmas") on notion of "a consecrated animal." Sense of "person who is hurt, tortured, or killed by another" is first recorded 1650s; meaning "person oppressed by some power or situation" is from 1718. Weaker sense of "person taken advantage of" is recorded from 1781.

Example Sentences for victim

He was not naturally bad, but he had fallen a victim to sudden temptation.

Major John Postell had been pitched upon as the first victim.

He had been defied, trapped, made a victim of the gang who had killed his most valued informer.

Between him and her as the victim of the law, there could be no hesitation for choice.

"You'll have to cut down your victim before I get there," grinned Chip.

You are a strong man; and you are a victim of your strength.

Perhaps I should, though, if I hadn't been the victim of it in some degree.

He perceived that he had become the victim of a harsh and ruthless dealing.

The people now believed that they should be defrauded of their victim.

Grant hesitated, circling erratically with his victim close to the steps.

victim

Synonyms for victim

Antonyms for victim

butt

dupe

fall guy

fool

fools

victim

Synonyms for victim

Antonyms for victim

More words related to victim

babe in the woods

butt

dupe

fall guy

fool

fools