victim

A victim is a person who is hurt by another person or by an organization. Victims are also people who are injured or killed in accidents.

• Victims of a lethal tornado were laid to rest last week.
• Hundreds of victims remain beneath their earthquake ravaged homes.
• Lawyers often contact victims involved in major car accidents.
• Victims in the crime were not identified because they are minors. (minor = a person under the age of 18)
• A woman in court claimed to be a victim, having suffered for years from her husband’s mental and physical abuse.
• The woman refused to admit that she was a victim of the company that caused her paralysis.
• Some people claim too quickly to be victims in situations where there is no wrongdoing or any evidence of a crime.

The word "victimize" is a verb. It’s usually used in the passive voice.

• People who feel they were victimized by the company should come forth. (come forth = reveal an identity)
• Several children were victimized by a man who lives in the neighborhood.
• Syrian refugees are often victimized by people who promise to escort them to safety.

Click here to learn more vocabulary.

Date of publication: January 28, 2017