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Word of the Day Tuesday, June 9, 2026

scapegoat

/ˈskæpiːɡɒt/ noun · British & US
Valid in UKValid in US
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What does scapegoat mean?

noun

A person or group made to bear the blame for others or to take the blame for a wrong or a failure. A goat that is released into the wilderness on Yom Kippur, symbolizing the transfer of sins.

Example

"The company's financial troubles were blamed on the new CEO, who was made the scapegoat for the board's poor decisions."

Definition generated by AI and curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.

Synonyms for scapegoat

Antonyms of scapegoat

Rhymes with scapegoat

Etymologically related