scapegoat

Definition

  • noun: a person who is unfairly blamed for something that others have done
  • noun: a goat upon whose head are symbolically placed the sins of the people after which he is sent into the wilderness in the biblical ceremony for Yom Kippur
  • verb: to make a scapegoat of
  • synonyms: burnt offering, collection, drink offering

Examples

  • The CEO was 'made the scapegoat' for the company's failures.

  • He was 'scapegoated' for the company's failures.

  • He's a victim of 'scapegoating'.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) I am with you all the way, baby. - I'm sick of these liberal hypocrites. - Here we go again. I love this part. Well, look at the way that they scapegoated Chief Gates. They'd come down that hard on black Willie Williams? - No way. The video was a setup. - Jesus Christ. Can I please be excused? (..)
    1998 American History X
  • (..) your fellow conspirators... have ever suffered any real harm. For years, you have schemed against me! I'll not be made a scapegoat... for your failure to stop the Viking raids! You have conspired with the foes of England... to unseat me (..)
    1958 The Vikings
  • (..) ♪ For white males only got the satisfaction ♪ ♪ Ownin' lands, castin' votes ♪ ♪ Shuckin' off the shadows on the black scapegoats ♪ ♪ It ain't no puzzle, needs no clues ♪ ♪ To see why the black man sings the blues ♪ ♪ Wade in the water ♪ (..)
    1994 The Glass Shield