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Scapegoat: meaning, definitions and examples

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scapegoat

 

[ ˈskeɪpɡəʊt ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in society

A scapegoat is a person or group that is blamed for the mistakes or problems of others, especially when they are innocent.

Synonyms

fall guy, patsy, whipping boy

Examples of usage

  • They made him the scapegoat for the company's financial losses.
  • The minority community has often been used as a scapegoat for social issues.
Context #2 | Verb

in a situation

To scapegoat someone is to unfairly blame them for something that is not their fault.

Synonyms

accuse, blame, pin on

Examples of usage

  • She was scapegoated for the team's poor performance.
  • The politician tried to scapegoat his opponent for the scandal.

Translations

Translations of the word "scapegoat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bode expiatório

🇮🇳 बलि का बकरा

🇩🇪 Sündenbock

🇮🇩 kambing hitam

🇺🇦 цап-відбувайло

🇵🇱 kozioł ofiarny

🇯🇵 生贄（いけにえ）

🇫🇷 bouc émissaire

🇪🇸 chivo expiatorio

🇹🇷 günah keçisi

🇰🇷 희생양

🇸🇦 كبش فداء

🇨🇿 obětní beránek

🇸🇰 obetný baránok

🇨🇳 替罪羊

🇸🇮 grešni kozel

🇮🇸 blóraböggull

🇰🇿 құрбандық ешкі

🇬🇪 მსხვერპლი თხა

🇦🇿 günah keçisi

🇲🇽 chivo expiatorio

Word origin

The term 'scapegoat' originated from the Bible, specifically the Book of Leviticus. In the context of ancient Jewish rituals, a scapegoat was a live animal that was ritually burdened with the sins of the people and then driven into the wilderness to symbolically carry away those sins. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a person or group unfairly blamed for the wrongdoings of others.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,628, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.