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Victim Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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victim

[ˈvɪktɪm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

A person who has been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event.

Synonyms

injured party, prey, target.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
victim

This is a repeat and should be ignored as it is already covered in the first entry.
injured party

Typically used in legal contexts to describe a person who has been wronged or harmed by another party, often in a civil lawsuit.

  • The injured party filed a lawsuit for compensation
  • The contract breach left the injured party seeking damages
target

Refers to someone or something selected as an aim of an attack, criticism, or focus, either in a physical or metaphorical sense.

  • The company was the target of a cyber attack
  • She felt targeted by her coworkers' criticism
prey

Commonly used in the context of animals, where it refers to an organism that is hunted and eaten by another. It can also metaphorically describe a person who is easily exploited or deceived.

  • The lion stalked its prey through the grass
  • He became easy prey for the scam artists

Examples of usage

  • The victim of the robbery was left traumatized.
  • She was a victim of domestic violence.
  • The victim's family is seeking justice.
  • The victim's identity has not been disclosed.
  • The victim's injuries were severe.
Context #2 | Noun

natural disaster

A person who suffers as a result of a natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake, or flood.

Synonyms

casualty, sufferer, survivor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
victim

Refers to someone who has been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event. Can also have a negative connotation by implying helplessness.

  • She was the victim of a robbery.
  • The earthquake victims are receiving aid from various organizations.
sufferer

Describes someone who is enduring pain or hardship, often due to illness or a challenging situation. It focuses on the ongoing experience of suffering.

  • He is a long-term sufferer of arthritis.
  • Attention should be given to the sufferers of chronic diseases.
casualty

Typically used in the context of accidents, disasters, or wars, indicating someone who has been injured or killed. It often implies a large-scale event with multiple affected individuals.

  • There were several casualties in the train derailment.
  • The battle resulted in hundreds of casualties.
survivor

Refers to someone who has lived through a difficult or life-threatening event. It has a positive connotation, emphasizing resilience and the ability to overcome adversity.

  • She is a cancer survivor.
  • The survivors of the plane crash were rescued by the coast guard.

Examples of usage

  • The victims of the hurricane were left homeless.
  • Rescue teams are searching for victims trapped in the debris.
  • The government provided aid to the victims of the flood.
  • The victims of the earthquake need medical assistance.
  • The number of victims is still being determined.
Context #3 | Noun

medical

A person who is affected by a disease, illness, or injury.

Synonyms

invalid, patient, sufferer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
victim

Used to describe someone who has been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action. This word often carries a connotation of helplessness or innocence.

  • The victim of the car crash was taken to the hospital immediately.
  • She was a victim of identity theft.
patient

Describes someone who is receiving medical treatment, usually in a hospital or from a doctor. Neutral and commonly used in medical settings.

  • The patient was recovering well after the surgery.
  • The doctor sees twenty patients a day.
sufferer

Refers to someone who is experiencing pain, distress, or hardship, often due to a chronic condition or prolonged situation. The term emphasizes the person's experience of suffering.

  • She is a long-term sufferer of arthritis.
  • Many sufferers of mental health issues find it difficult to get the help they need.
invalid

Refers to a person made weak or disabled by illness or injury. This term is often seen as outdated and can have negative connotations, implying that the person is incapable or of lesser value.

  • After the accident, he was an invalid and needed constant care.
  • In the 19th century, many people who were chronically ill were referred to as invalids.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor treated the victim of a car accident.
  • The victim of the virus recovered after treatment.
  • Support groups are available for cancer victims.
  • The victim of the disease requires ongoing care.
  • The number of victims of the outbreak is increasing.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • The 'victim mentality' describes a mindset in which someone sees themselves as a constant victim of circumstances.
  • Research shows that being labeled a victim can impact one's self-esteem and perception of control over their life.

Law and Society

  • In legal contexts, a 'victim' refers to someone who has suffered physical or emotional harm due to a crime or incident.
  • Victim advocacy programs aim to support those who have been harmed and help them navigate the legal system.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and movies, characters often start as victims but grow stronger, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
  • The 'victim archetype' is a common theme in storytelling, illustrating how characters cope with pain and injustice.

Social Issues

  • Victims of bullying can face long-term psychological effects, highlighting the importance of empathy and support.
  • Human trafficking victims are often trapped in dangerous situations, drawing attention to social justice advocacy.

Origin of 'victim'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'victim' comes from the Latin word 'victima,' which means 'sacrificial animal,' reflecting the idea of being harmed.
  • Originally, 'victim' was used in religious contexts, referring to animals offered in sacrifices.

The word 'victim' originated from the Latin word 'victima', which means 'sacrificial animal'. In ancient Roman culture, a victim was an animal offered as a sacrifice to the gods. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to a person who suffers harm, injury, or loss. The concept of victimhood has been central to discussions of justice, crime, and human rights throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,313, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.