bystander

[ bahy-stan-der ]

noun

1. a person present but not involved; chance spectator; onlooker.

   Synonyms: sidewalk superintendent, rubberneck, witness, passerby, viewer, observer

bystander

/ ˈbaɪˌstændə /

noun

1. a person present but not involved; onlooker; spectator

Word History and Origins

Origin of bystander¹

First recorded in 1610–20; by- + stand ( def ) + -er ¹( def )

Example Sentences

A scuffle ensued, but was quickly broken up by bystanders and police.

From BBC

So instead of treating them as bystanders or even would-be adversaries on this issue, why not include them in the project by treating abortion as a freedom issue that was vital to all Americans?

From Salon

Tumors are notoriously good evaders of immune surveillance because they trick immune cells into viewing them as innocent bystanders.

From Science Daily

The driver gets out of the other side of the vehicle and is then seized by bystanders who start beating him with sticks.

From BBC

A man was arrested in Beverly Hills on Thursday evening on suspicion of stealing a car and injuring four bystanders in a hit-and-run near a holiday tree-lighting event, authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eyewitness
• observer
• onlooker
• passerby
• spectator