Plural of victim; people who have been harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other adverse circumstance. They are those who suffer from the actions of others or unfortunate events.
From Latin 'victima' meaning 'sacrificial animal', from 'vincere' meaning 'to conquer'. The religious/ritual sense evolved to mean anyone who suffers harm or loss, expanding from sacrificial contexts to general harm.
The evolution of 'victim' from religious sacrifice to modern usage reveals changing concepts of agency and harm in society. Today's discussions around 'victim' versus 'survivor' terminology show how language shapes identity and empowerment, with many preferring terms that emphasize resilience over passivity.
Language historically feminized victimhood; crime reporting often centers women's vulnerability while masculinizing agency, even in asymmetrical harm contexts.
Use 'victim' or 'affected person' based on the individual's circumstance, not assumed vulnerability. Consider specificity: 'survivors', 'those harmed', or named groups.
["affected person","survivor","person harmed"]
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