survivor

[ ser-vahy-ver ]

noun

1. a person or thing that survives.
2. Law. the one of two or more designated persons, as joint tenants or others having a joint interest, who outlives the other or others.
3. a person who continues to function or prosper in spite of opposition, hardship, or setbacks.

Other Words From

• nonsur·vivor noun
• self-sur·vivor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of survivor¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; survive + -or ²

Example Sentences

Church abuse survivors have also called for the resignations of other senior members of the church who failed to report Smyth to police.

From BBC

As members of the crash recovery crew search for survivors among the wreckage, they encounter mysterious predatory life forms more terrifying than they could have ever imagined.

From Salon

She said: “If you look at the breadth of the abuse, this didn’t just happen in Harrods. I’m already hearing from survivors who are saying this happened in other areas.”

From BBC

With 1,900 potential claimants, including cancer patients, survivors and families, lawyers say it is set to be the largest pharmaceutical product group action in English and Welsh legal history.

From BBC

He recalled widows who described themselves as “survivors” because they needed to apply for survivor benefits for the first time.

From Salon

Related Words

• residue