survivor
survivor Lexical Profile
survivor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person, animal, or organism that remains alive after an event, disaster, or illness in which others have died or been destroyed.
"Rescue teams searched through the night and successfully located three survivors of the avalanche."
A person who copes well with great difficulties, trauma, or adversity in their life.
"Despite facing numerous personal and financial setbacks, she proved to be a true survivor."
The remainder of a group of people or things, especially a family member who remains alive after the death of another, or a joint tenant who outlives others to succeed to an estate.
"He passed away peacefully at ninety, leaving his younger sister as his sole immediate survivor."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern usage, 'survivor' is often preferred over 'victim' when referring to individuals who have lived through trauma, abuse, or life-threatening illness, as it emphasizes resilience and agency rather than helplessness.
• Rhymes for survivor
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the early 16th century as a legal term for one who outlives another, derived from the verb 'survive', which comes from Anglo-French survivre and Late Latin supervivere ('to live beyond').