WorldAugust 23, 2026

victimless

VIK-tuhm-luhs

Definition

Referring to a crime or action that does not result in identifiable harm to any specific individual or entity.

Etymology

The word is formed by combining the Latin-derived 'victim' with the Old English suffix '-less,' meaning 'without.' It entered common usage in the mid-20th century to describe activities that are prohibited by law but lack an obvious complainant.

In the news

The article uses the term to argue that corruption is not a harmless act, emphasizing that it always has negative impacts despite the lack of a single visible victim.

Whistleblower helps avert possible assassination of justice official

Read the full article ↗

SABC News

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