OPFER Meaning and
Definition
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Opfer is a German noun that translates to "victim" in English. It is derived from the Middle High German word "opher," which means "sacrifice." In its primary usage, opfer refers to a person or entity that falls victim to a particular event, circumstance, or action.
Opfer is often employed in the context of crime, where it denotes an individual who has experienced harm or injury due to the actions of another individual or group. It can encompass a wide range of criminal acts, such as theft, assault, fraud, or murder.
Furthermore, opfer can be utilized to describe individuals or groups who have suffered as a result of their social, economic, or political circumstances. This can include victims of discrimination, oppression, poverty, or war.
The term opfer is also employed in religious or spiritual contexts when referring to a person or animal offered as a sacrifice to please or honor a deity. However, this usage is less common in contemporary language compared to its figurative usage regarding victims of various situations.
In summary, opfer is a German word that signifies a victim who has suffered harm or damage, whether as a result of criminal acts or broader socio-political circumstances. The term encompasses not only those who have experienced physical harm but also those who have endured emotional, psychological, or spiritual setback due to unfortunate events.
Etymology of OPFER
The word "Opfer" has its origin in the German language. It is derived from the Middle High German word "ópfære" or "ópfer", which can be traced back to the Old High German word "opfa", meaning a religious sacrifice. In turn, the Old High German term is believed to have been borrowed from the Latin word "offerre", which means "to offer" or "to sacrifice". The Latin word "offerre" was commonly used in the context of religious rituals and offerings to the gods. Over time, the meaning of "Opfer" has evolved to encompass wider concepts of sacrifice and victimization in German, extending beyond religious contexts.
Similar spelling words for OPFER
