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

Security video shows a struggle as the suspect pulls the victim out of her car and she fights him off with the help of a bystander before getting back into the vehicle.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Edwards, 26, an innocent bystander, was killed and five men were injured.

From BBC

Though he could have kept the restaurant going, Akar said, he “couldn’t be a bystander.”

From Los Angeles Times

The victim’s screams ultimately saved him, as a bystander stepped in, subdued the attacker and held him at bay for the remaining three hours until the assailant was arrested upon landing, the agent alleged.

From Los Angeles Times

A bystander was also injured as a stray bullet hit his leg.

From BBC

Related Words

• eyewitness
• observer
• onlooker
• passerby
• spectator