DictionaryAI

victim

VIK-tim/ˈvɪktɪm/

Pluralvictims

4 meanings of victim

Practice

  1. 1
    harmednouncountable
    A person or thing hurt by something bad, such as a disaster, unfair treatment, or someone's mistakes.

    Relief workers brought food to the victims of the flood.

    The corner shop was another victim of the bad economy.

    UsageSay a victim of something: victims of the flood. You can also fall victim to something.

    Note
  2. 2
    sacrificenouncountable
    An animal or person killed as an offering to a god in a religious ceremony.

    The priests led the victim, a white bull, to the altar.

    In the story, the god demands a victim every spring.

    Similarsacrifice, offering

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 3
    verbnonstandard
    To make someone or something a victim, especially by killing it as an offering.
  2. 4
    noun
    In Christian worship, Christ's body and blood as offered in the Eucharist.

Practice

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Origin

From Latin victima, meaning a sacrificial animal, which came into English through French.

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 3 facts