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Meaning of scapegoat
A person who is blamed or punished for the mistakes or wrongdoing of others.
Etymology of scapegoat
The word "scapegoat" originates from the Bible, specifically from the book of Leviticus, where a goat is sent into the wilderness to atone for the sins of the community
The term was first used in the 16th century to describe a person who is made to bear the blame for others
Synonyms
fall guy
whipping boy
victim
stooge
dupe
pawn
target
butt
laughingstock
fool
dupe
patsy
sucker
mug
pushover
mark
easy mark
soft touch
sitting duck
clay pigeon
whipping post
culprit
offender
wrongdoer
perpetrator
villain
miscreant
scapegoater
cull
sacrifice
expiatory goat
sacrificial lamb
martyr
victimizer
aggressor
tormentor
Definitions
- A person who is blamed or punished for the mistakes or wrongdoing of others
- * A person or thing that is made to bear the blame for others
Usage Examples
- The new employee was made the scapegoat for the company's financial troubles
- * The politician used the opposing party as a scapegoat for the country's economic woes
- * The teacher accused the student of being the scapegoat for the class's poor behavior