What is the synonym for scapegoat?

In this page you can discover 12 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for scapegoat, like: fall guy, dupe, sacrifice, victim, substitute, rallying-point, patsy, whipping boy, butt, praise and goat.

What does being a scapegoat mean?

one that bears the blame for others
Definition of scapegoat

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : 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. 2a : one that bears the blame for others. b : one that is the object of irrational hostility. scapegoat.

What is an example of scapegoating?

For example, a woman who has just had a fight with her boyfriend may kick her dog for minor misbehavior when she comes home. The dog in this instance becomes the scapegoat, and pays the price for the fight she had with her boyfriend.

What’s another word for fall guy?

In this page you can discover 28 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for fall guy, like: scapegoat, stooge, patsy, schlemiel, mug, wise, victim, sucker, whipping boy, butt and dupe.

Is a scapegoat innocent?

For Girard, scapegoats are always innocent of the specific charges laid against them; the accusations are always false; scapegoating is always a heinous act of injustice.

What is a toxic family scapegoat?

A scapegoat is a person or group you place blame on. When scapegoating children, the child is blamed or shamed for all the issues that arise within dysfunctional households.

What does it mean to be a patsy?

Definition of patsy

: a person who is easily manipulated or victimized : pushover.

What is another name for a whipping boy?

In this page you can discover 6 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for whipping boy, like: patsy, fall guy, chopping-block, goat, scapegoat and praise.

What’s the meaning of a fall guy?

countable noun. If someone is the fall guy, they are blamed for something which they did not do or which is not their fault. [informal] He claims he was made the fall guy for the affair.

How does someone become a scapegoat?

A scapegoat is defined as a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings and faults of others. The word’s origin is an ancient Jewish tradition in which a goat was symbolically sent into the wilderness to atone for the people’s sins.

What is scapegoating in a relationship?

In a relationship with an abusive or manipulative person, the scapegoat is created by the scapegoater. A scapegoat fulfills a multitude of roles for his or her abusive partner: takes on projected guilt or shame of abuser. serves as an emotional punching bag for displaced anger.

What happens to the scapegoat in adulthood?

More specifically: Scapegoated adults often feel debilitated by self-doubt and ‘imposter syndrome’ in their relationships and in the work-place, and blame themselves for their difficulties. They often will develop ‘fawning’ behaviors, whereby they seek to please others and avoid conflict at any cost.

How do scapegoats heal?

Many times, healing the scapegoat role on a personal level is about deep healing of trauma, empowerment, and a place to process emotion and find safety in relationship. Healing the scapegoat role in community means learning how to forge new relationships of repair and effective emotional communication.

How do you overcome the scapegoat?

5 Steps to Stop Being the Family Scapegoat
  1. Only accept what is truly your responsibility. Allow them to take responsibility for what is theirs.
  2. Give yourself permission to step away. …
  3. Refrain from arguing. …
  4. Lean on your circle of support. …
  5. Remember compassion.