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Victim

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. A person who suffers harm, injury, or death as a result of an accident, crime, or other event.
2. Someone who is deceived or manipulated by another person or force.
3. A person who endures suffering or hardship due to circumstances beyond their control.
4. A person or thing sacrificed or harmed for a cause, often in the context of rituals or larger societal issues.

History and Origin

The word “victim” comes from the Latin victima, which means “sacrificial animal” or “sacrifice.” This term was used in ancient rituals to describe an animal offered as a sacrifice to gods. Over time, the word broadened to include people or things that suffer due to external forces or circumstances. By the late Middle Ages, the term began to refer to humans who suffered harm in various ways, evolving to its modern usage.

Detailed Explanation

“Victim” refers to someone who experiences harm or injury due to an external cause, often something beyond their control. This could be physical harm, such as in the case of an accident or crime, or psychological suffering, such as emotional manipulation or bullying. The word also extends to anyone who suffers as a result of injustice, inequality, or a negative event, like a natural disaster. In some contexts, it can refer to someone who is exploited or manipulated. A victim does not necessarily have to be passive but often is the subject of some form of abuse, violence, or misfortune.

Example Sentences

1. The victim of the robbery gave a detailed description of the thief.
2. She was a victim of a hit-and-run accident and suffered serious injuries.
3. The hurricane left many people as victims of its destruction.
4. The community rallied to support the victims of the fire.
5. He felt like a victim of circumstances, unable to change his situation.
6. The children were victims of the bullying that took place at school.
7. The woman was a victim of identity theft and had to take legal action.
8. He became a victim of a scam after responding to a fraudulent email.
9. The workers were victims of unfair labor practices and sought justice.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Prey – An animal that is hunted or harmed, often used metaphorically to describe a victim.
2. Sufferer – A person who endures pain or hardship, often due to external factors.
3. Target – Someone who is specifically chosen to be harmed or attacked.
4. Injured party – A person who has been harmed or affected by a wrongful act.
5. Casualty – A person who has been injured or killed as a result of an accident or disaster.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Survivor – A person who lives through an event that could have been harmful, often used in contrast to a victim.
2. Perpetrator – A person who commits a harmful act, often the one responsible for a victim’s suffering.
3. Bystander – A person who witnesses an event, but is not directly involved, though they may still be affected by the victim’s experience.
4. Witness – A person who observes an event, sometimes providing evidence for or on behalf of a victim.
5. Rescue – The act of saving or helping someone who is a victim of a dangerous or harmful situation.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Martyr – A person who sacrifices or suffers for a cause or belief, often in a religious context.
2. Exploited – Someone who is taken advantage of for personal gain, often leaving them a victim.
3. Hostage – A person held captive, typically in exchange for something, often seen as a victim in a crisis.
4. Scapegoat – A person who is unfairly blamed for problems or wrongdoings, becoming a victim of unjust accusations.
5. Innocent – A person who is blameless or undeserving of harm, often a victim of an unjust or harmful act.

Antonyms

1. Perpetrator
2. Survivor
3. Beneficiary
4. Hero
5. Champion