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

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

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

Chapman, then 23, was convicted of murdering Miss Edwards and the attempted murder of two men who were the intended targets of the shooting, as well as wounding three other bystanders and related firearms offences.

From BBC

Related Words

• eyewitness
• observer
• onlooker
• passerby
• spectator