Synonyms for scapegoat

Grammar : Noun

Spell : skeyp-goht

Phonetic Transcription : ˈskeɪpˌgoʊt

Top 10 synonyms for scapegoat

Other synonyms for the word scapegoat

Définition of scapegoat

Origin : 1530, "goat sent into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement, symbolic bearer of the sins of the people," coined by Tyndale from scape (n.) + goat to translate Latin caper emissarius, itself a translation in Vulgate of Hebrew 'azazel (Lev. xvi:8,10,26), which was read as 'ez ozel "goat that departs," but which others hold to be the proper name of a devil or demon in Jewish mythology (sometimes identified with Canaanite deity Aziz).
Jerome's reading also was followed by Martin Luther (der ledige Bock), Symmachus (tragos aperkhomenos), and others (cf. French bouc émissaire), but the question of who, or what (or even where) is meant by 'azazel is a vexed one. The Revised Version (1884) simply restores Azazel. But the old translation has its modern defenders:
Azazel is an active participle or participial noun, derived ultimately from azal (connected with the Arabic word azala, and meaning removed), but immediately from the reduplicate form of that verb, azazal. The reduplication of the consonants of the root in Hebrew and Arabic gives the force of repetition, so that while azal means removed, azalzal means removed by a repetition of acts. Azalzel or azazel, therefore, means one who removes by a series of acts. ... The interpretation is founded on sound etymological grounds, it suits the context wherever the word occurs, it is consistent with the remaining ceremonial of the Day of Atonement, and it accords with the otherwise known religious beliefs and symbolical practices of the Israelites. [Rev. F. Meyrick, "Leviticus," London, 1882]
Meaning "one who is blamed or punished for the mistakes or sins of others" first recorded 1824; the verb is attested from 1943. Related: Scapegoated; scapegoating. For the formation, cf. scapegrace, also scape-gallows "one who deserves hanging."

noun person who takes blame for

Example sentences :

They will not readily yield up their scapegoat or sacrifice their privileges.
Extract from : « The Truth About Woman » by C. Gasquoine Hartley

For what he had suffered at the hands of Man he had chosen to make Spain the scapegoat.
Extract from : « Captain Blood » by Rafael Sabatini

If the people demand a scapegoat, governments usually provide one.
Extract from : « The Snare » by Rafael Sabatini

I gathered, sir, that he was to be sacrificed to the Council of Regency—a sort of scapegoat.
Extract from : « The Snare » by Rafael Sabatini

We can't allow them to throw the Emperor out, so we need a scapegoat.
Extract from : « The Unnecessary Man » by Gordon Randall Garrett

If you don't want to do a thing, say so; don't make your husband the scapegoat.
Extract from : « Armour's Monthly Cook Book, Volume 2, No. 12, October 1913 » by Various

But now the instinct for finding a scapegoat began to revive.
Extract from : « Simon » by J. Storer Clouston

He must pay the penalty, but he shall be the scapegoat for the rest of you.
Extract from : « Prisoners of Hope » by Mary Johnston

He trailed bleeding feet, like a scapegoat on all the high mountains.
Extract from : « The Creators » by May Sinclair

A scapegrace is one thing, a scapegoat is another, and from some points a preferable one.
Extract from : « Peggy » by Laura E. Richards

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019