vicarious

[ vahy-kair-ee-uhs, vi- ]

adjective

1. performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place of another:

   vicarious punishment.

2. taking the place of another person or thing; acting or serving as a substitute.
3. felt or enjoyed through imagined participation in the experience of others:

   a vicarious thrill.

4. Physiology. noting or pertaining to a situation in which one organ performs part of the functions normally performed by another.

vicarious

/ vɪˈkɛərɪəs; vaɪ- /

adjective

1. obtained or undergone at second hand through sympathetic participation in another's experiences
2. suffered, undergone, or done as the substitute for another

   vicarious punishment

3. delegated

   vicarious authority

4. taking the place of another
5. pathol (of menstrual bleeding) occurring at an abnormal site See endometriosis

Derived Forms

• viˈcariously, adverb
• viˈcariousness, noun

Other Words From

• vi·car·i·ous·ly adverb
• vi·car·i·ous·ness vi·car·i·ism noun
• non·vi·car·i·ous adjective
• non·vi·car·i·ous·ness noun
• un·vi·car·i·ous adjective
• un·vi·car·i·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vicarious¹

First recorded in 1630–40; from Latin vicārius “substituting,” equivalent to vic(is) (genitive) “interchange, alternation” ( vice ³ ) + -ārius -ary; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of vicarious¹

C17: from Latin vicārius substituted, from vicis interchange; see vice ³, vicissitude

Example Sentences

Even if you were not that child who took his toys apart to see how they were made — and there is much ingenuity just in the construction of a plastic “Star Wars” X-wing fighter — there is a vicarious delight in watching it done, especially if you weren’t the sort who could ever put things back together.

From Los Angeles Times

Harrods has accepted vicarious liability for some of the claims, a legal term meaning it accepts ultimate responsibility for Al Fayed's alleged actions.

From BBC

Harrods is accepting vicarious liability for the actions of Fayed, and there are no non-disclosure agreements attached to the settlements.

From BBC

Harrods is accepting vicarious liability for the actions of Fayed, and there are no non-disclosure agreements attached to the settlements.

From BBC

Harrods is accepting vicarious liability for the actions of Fayed, and there are no non-disclosure agreements attached to the settlements.

From BBC