28 Synonyms for Victim | Another Word for Victim (With Examples)

You know when someone suffers from something bad, like an accident, a crime, or just bad luck? We usually call them a victim. But there are so many ways to say it! Words like sufferer, casualty, or prey make it sound fresh. Let’s explore 28 simple and easy synonyms for victim with examples you can actually use.

1. Sufferer

A sufferer is someone who goes through pain or hardship. It can be from illness, accidents, or hard situations. For example, “The sufferer of the storm lost their home.” Another example is “She is a sufferer of chronic headaches.” This word focuses on experiencing pain. You can use it in daily life when talking about someone enduring difficulties. It’s simple and clear for describing someone who faces trouble.

2. Injured party

An injured party is someone harmed in an accident or conflict. For example, “The injured party claimed compensation after the car crash.” Another example: “The injured party in the dispute needed help.” It’s often used in legal or official situations. The phrase shows someone suffered harm but in a formal way. It’s easy to understand and precise, especially when describing accidents or conflicts.

3. Target

A target is a person who is chosen for harm or attack. For example, “The thief made the elderly lady his target.” Another: “The target of bullying often feels alone.” Target shows someone singled out. It can be used for crime, bullying, or even jokes. When someone is treated unfairly or hurt, you can call them a target. It’s short and clear, useful for many situations.

4. Casualty

A casualty is someone hurt, killed, or affected by an accident, war, or disaster. For example, “The earthquake left many casualties.” Another: “The road accident had two casualties.” It is a strong word that shows real harm. Casualty can be used in news, reports, or serious stories. It clearly shows someone was affected in a negative way. This word makes situations feel real and serious.

5. Oppressed person

An oppressed person is someone who suffers from unfair treatment. For example, “She is an oppressed person in her workplace.” Another example: “Many oppressed people fight for equality.” This word is often used in social issues or history. It shows long-term unfairness or hardship. Oppressed person helps explain situations where someone’s rights are limited. It’s easy to say and meaningful.

6. Abused person

An abused person is someone treated badly, often physically or emotionally. For example, “The abused person got help from the shelter.” Another: “He supports abused persons in the community.” It focuses on harm caused by someone else. This word is often used for domestic, workplace, or school situations. It makes it clear someone suffered from unfair treatment. It’s simple and shows care for people in need.

7. Damaged party

A damaged party is someone who suffered harm, usually in accidents or legal cases. For example, “The damaged party received compensation.” Another: “The damaged party in the contract dispute needed advice.” It is a formal way to show someone was harmed. This phrase is common in law, insurance, or official discussions. It clearly identifies the person affected and is easy to use in serious contexts.

8. Aggrieved person

An aggrieved person is someone who feels wronged or treated unfairly. For example, “The aggrieved person filed a complaint.” Another example: “Aggrieved persons often seek justice.” It shows someone suffered emotionally or legally. This term works for personal, legal, or official situations. Aggrieved person is polite and precise, describing someone who deserves attention or help after harm.

9. Wounded one

A wounded one is someone hurt physically or emotionally. For example, “The wounded one was taken to the hospital.” Another: “The wounded one needed comfort after the argument.” This word highlights injury or pain. It can be used for accidents, fights, or emotional situations. Wounded one is simple and personal, helping describe someone who suffers in a direct way. It’s easy to relate to.

10. Prey

A prey is someone who is easily harmed, often by a stronger person. For example, “The small bird became prey for the cat.” Another example: “She was prey to online scams.” Prey can be used literally or figuratively. It shows someone is vulnerable and at risk. This word is clear, simple, and gives a strong image of danger. It’s perfect for storytelling or warnings.

11. Sacrifice

A sacrifice is someone who gives up something or suffers for others. For example, “He became a sacrifice to save his friend.” Another: “Many sacrifices were made during the mission.” It shows someone harmed themselves for a cause or someone else. Sacrifice can be used in stories, history, or daily life. It’s emotional and meaningful. This word shows bravery and suffering together.

12. Martyr

A martyr is someone who suffers or dies for a cause or belief. For example, “The martyr gave his life for freedom.” Another: “Many martyrs are remembered in history.” It shows someone facing harm willingly for others or a goal. Martyr is often used in religious, historical, or social contexts. It highlights honor, courage, and suffering. The word makes the idea of victim meaningful and heroic.

13. Affected person

An affected person is someone impacted by events or accidents. For example, “The affected person needed help after the flood.” Another: “Affected persons were given medical aid.” It’s neutral and formal. This word shows someone is influenced or harmed. It’s useful in reports, official situations, or daily life. Affected person is easy to understand and shows who needs attention or support after bad events.

14. Innocent

An innocent is someone harmed without doing anything wrong. For example, “The innocent was caught in the fight.” Another example: “Many innocent people suffer during wars.” It highlights purity and unfairness. Innocent is used in stories, reports, or everyday situations. This word shows someone is hurt without blame. It’s simple, clear, and makes people feel sympathy.

15. Survivor

A survivor is someone who lives through a bad event. For example, “The survivor of the fire was rescued.” Another: “Survivors of the accident shared their stories.” Survivor focuses on endurance. It shows someone faced danger but made it through. This word is positive and empowering. Survivor can be used for accidents, illness, or disasters. It highlights courage and recovery.

16. Underdog

An underdog is someone at a disadvantage who may suffer but tries hard. For example, “The underdog won the competition surprisingly.” Another: “Underdogs often face challenges in life.” This word shows someone weaker or less likely to succeed. Underdog is often used in sports, stories, or daily life. It makes victim situations relatable and inspires hope. The word combines struggle with courage.

17. Helpless one

A helpless one is someone who cannot defend themselves. For example, “The helpless one needed protection from bullies.” Another: “Helpless ones are often abused by others.” It shows vulnerability. Helpless one is simple, easy to understand, and direct. It’s used in everyday life, news, or storytelling. The word makes people feel care and sympathy for those who cannot protect themselves.

18. Pawn

A pawn is someone used by others for their gain. For example, “He felt like a pawn in the office politics.” Another: “Many pawns suffer in big plans of others.” This word shows manipulation. Pawn is often used metaphorically in stories, games, or politics. It shows a person suffering indirectly. It’s clear, simple, and gives an image of being controlled.

19. Scapegoat

A scapegoat is someone blamed unfairly. For example, “He became a scapegoat for the mistakes.” Another: “The scapegoat faced punishment alone.” It shows unfair treatment. Scapegoat is easy to use in workplace, school, or personal situations. It highlights being a victim of blame. The word is precise and shows injustice clearly.

20. Exploited person

An exploited person is someone taken advantage of by others. For example, “Exploited persons often need support.” Another: “She helped exploited persons in her neighborhood.” It shows someone harmed for others’ benefit. Exploited person is simple, clear, and serious. It can be used in social, work, or personal situations. The word shows injustice and unfair treatment.

21. Wronged person

A wronged person is someone treated unfairly. For example, “The wronged person demanded an apology.” Another: “Wronged persons sometimes seek justice.” It shows someone suffered harm morally or legally. Wronged person is easy to understand. It’s polite, clear, and used in law, social issues, or personal situations. The word highlights the victim’s need for fairness.

22. Harmed individual

A harmed individual is someone who suffers damage or pain. For example, “The harmed individual was assisted immediately.” Another: “Harmed individuals need support and care.” It is simple and formal. This phrase can be used in accidents, reports, or daily life. Harmed individual clearly shows someone affected by harm. It is polite, neutral, and easy to understand.

23. Hostage

A hostage is someone captured and controlled by others. For example, “The hostage was rescued by the police.” Another: “Hostages often feel scared and helpless.” It shows someone suffering due to others’ power. Hostage can be used literally in crime or figuratively in stories. The word is clear, strong, and makes people feel urgency.

24. Defenseless person

A defenseless person cannot protect themselves. For example, “The defenseless person was saved from harm.” Another: “Defenseless persons need support.” It shows weakness and vulnerability. Defenseless person is easy to understand. It’s used in stories, reports, or daily life. The word highlights care, protection, and sympathy for someone who cannot fight back.

25. Injured individual

An injured individual is someone hurt physically or emotionally. For example, “The injured individual received medical care.” Another: “Injured individuals were taken to safety.” It is formal and clear. This phrase can be used in accidents, news, or reports. Injured individual shows someone harmed and needing help. The words are simple and precise, easy for readers to understand.

26. Oppressed soul

An oppressed soul is someone suffering from unfair treatment deeply. For example, “The oppressed soul longed for freedom.” Another: “Oppressed souls often need support and justice.” It highlights long-term suffering. Oppressed soul is emotional and descriptive. It can be used in stories, history, or social issues. This phrase shows deep victimhood and makes readers empathize easily.

27. Weakened one

A weakened one is someone who lost strength or power. For example, “The weakened one struggled to continue.” Another: “Weakened ones need help and care.” It shows someone suffering physically, mentally, or emotionally. Weakened one is simple and easy to understand. It emphasizes vulnerability and the need for support. This phrase is clear for stories, daily life, and reports.

28. Afflicted

An afflicted person suffers pain, illness, or trouble. For example, “The afflicted person needed medical attention.” Another: “Afflicted persons often seek help from their community.” Afflicted is formal yet easy to understand. It can describe physical, emotional, or social suffering. This word highlights hardship clearly and makes readers feel sympathy. Afflicted is powerful, showing someone as a true victim needing care and attention.

Final Thoughts

Victims can be described in many ways, from sufferer to afflicted, depending on the situation. Each synonym shows different shades of pain, unfair treatment, or vulnerability. Using the right word helps others understand the situation better. These synonyms can be used in stories, news, or daily life. Learning them makes your writing clearer and more empathetic. Everyone deserves care and understanding, and knowing these words helps us express it in simple, powerful ways.