victim

Someone who is hurt, killed, or cheated by a crime.

• The victim called the police.
• Two robbery victims described the thief.
• The charity supports victims of fraud.

How to use it: victim of something (He was the victim of an online scam.)

Common phrases: crime victim, murder victim, victim of fraud

Someone who suffers harm because of a person, event, or situation.

• Rescuers helped the flood victims.
• She was a victim of bullying.
• Many victims of the disaster lost their homes.

How to use it: victim of something (They provided shelter for victims of the fire.)

Similar words: sufferer

Common phrases: flood victim, accident victim, victim of something

Someone who suffers because of their own or another person’s faults, feelings, or unfair beliefs.

• He was a victim of his own pride.
• She became a victim of office jealousy.
• Patients were victims of the manager’s incompetence.

How to use it: victim of someone’s something (He became a victim of his own greed.)

Common phrases: victim of prejudice, victim of pride, victim of incompetence