English vocabulary · C2
Scapegoat
/ˈskeɪp.ɡoʊt/ · n., v.
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A scapegoat is someone blamed for what other people did. The wrong person takes the blame so others can walk away and go free.
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Example sentences
- I was the scapegoat for his theft.
- The team made her a scapegoat.
Word origin and roots
from English
- scape — escape (from English)
- goat — goat (from English)
Synonyms and nuances
- VICTIM — someone who is hurt (Made to suffer)
- TARGET — someone singled out (Picked for blame)
- FALL GUY — an unfairly blamed person (Takes another's blame)
Similar words
- victim
- target
- pawn
- sacrifice
- outcast
Lesson notes
A scapegoat is someone blamed for what other people did. The wrong person takes the blame so others can walk away and go free.
Related: victim, target, fall guy. Use scapegoat when blame lands on the wrong person.
I was the scapegoat for his theft. The team made her a scapegoat.
From English. Scape- means escape. Goat- means goat. One goat must escape with the blame: a scapegoat.