Definition of "victim" in English

noun

1. One that is harmed—killed, injured, subjected to oppression, deceit, or otherwise adversely affected—by someone or something, especially another person or event, force, or condition; in particular:

   • The victim of the robbery gave a detailed statement.
   • crime victim
   • victim of abuse
   • play the victim
   • the youngest victims of the brutal war
   • victim of a bad decision by a rushed and overworked judge
   • She saw herself as a victim of circumstance.

2. A living being which is slain and offered as a sacrifice, usually in a religious rite.

verb

1. (transitive, rare, now nonstandard) To make (something) a victim (especially of a ritual sacrifice); to victimize.