Scapegoat

Meaning

a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others

A person who is unfairly blamed for problems, mistakes, or faults of others.

Example Sentences

He became the scapegoat for the team's poor performance.

He became the scapegoat for the company’s financial troubles.

Example Expressions

make someone a scapegoat

Synonyms

fall guy, victim, patsy, whipping boy, blame-bearer

Entry 1

fall guy, victim, patsy, whipping boy

Entry 2

victim, fall guy, blame-bearer, patsy

Antonyms

culprit, perpetrator, offender

Entry 1

culprit, perpetrator

Entry 2

culprit, offender

Collocations

make scapegoat, become scapegoat, blame scapegoat, political scapegoat, scapegoat for mistakes, scapegoat role, become a scapegoat

Entry 1

make scapegoat, become scapegoat, blame scapegoat

Entry 2

political scapegoat, scapegoat for mistakes, scapegoat role, become a scapegoat