victim-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: an unfortunate person, one afflicted with adversity

Commentary: VICTIM[+individual][+person][+afflicted][+adversity]
NOTE: does -not- always imply a cognitive agent behind the adversity against the victim

Examples:
These people do not view themselves as victims of poverty.
The murder victim was found in a dumpster behind the shopping mall.
His younger brother was the victim of a drunk driver.
She has been a frequent victim of the press lately. (criticized by the media)
Don't become a victim of identity theft.
Her mother became a victim of schizophrenia.
These orphans are the victims of war.
The only victims in this legal dispute are the taxpayers.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a person who is swindled, duped or conned

Commentary: VICTIM[+person][+cheated][+swindled/+duped/+conned]
NOTE: implies the victim did not initially realize what would transpire
NOTE: always implies a cognitive agent behind the act against the victim

Examples:
Mary was a victim of an Internet scam.
John was the victim of our good-natured hoax.
The elderly, in particular, are the victims of these con artists.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 3: one who is sacrificed, killed, in a religious ritual

Commentary: VICTIM[+individual][+sacrificed][+ritual][+religious]
NOTE: implies the victim is aware of the events about to transpire
NOTE: always implies a cognitive agent behind the act against the victim

Examples:
The Aztecs cut the hearts out of their sacrificial victims.
The culmination of an auto-da-fe was usually the burning of the victim at the stake. (ceremonial execution)
"Who wants to be my next victim?", the school nurse asked with a smile. (humorous extension)

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 4: be damaged, harmed or destroyed by

Commentary: idiom: fall_victim_to

Examples:
Their company fell victim to poor management and increased competition from overseas.
He was determined not to fall victim to the same vices that had destroyed his father.

Mappings:
WordNet 0.0 Sense Numbers: fall_victim_to