vicarious Definition
- 1experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person
- 2felt or enjoyed through imagined participation in the experience of others
Using vicarious: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vicarious" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She got a vicarious thrill from watching her son play football.
Example
I experienced a vicarious sense of fulfillment through my friend's accomplishments.
Example
He lived vicariously through his daughter's success.
Example
The movie allows viewers to experience vicarious thrills.
vicarious Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for vicarious
Phrases with vicarious
the legal responsibility for the actions of another person, especially an employee, that is imposed on an employer or principal
Example
The company was held liable for the accident due to vicarious liability.
the idea that Jesus Christ took on the sins of humanity and suffered the punishment that humans deserved, thereby making it possible for people to be reconciled with God
Example
The doctrine of vicarious atonement is central to Christian theology.
emotional distress experienced by someone as a result of exposure to the traumatic experiences of others
Example
Social workers and therapists are at risk of developing vicarious trauma due to their work with clients who have experienced trauma.
Origins of vicarious
from Latin 'vicarius', meaning 'substitute'
Summary: vicarious in Brief
The term 'vicarious' [vɪˈkeəriəs] refers to experiencing something through the feelings or actions of another person. It is often used to describe a secondhand or indirect experience, such as 'She got a vicarious thrill from watching her son play football.' 'Vicarious' can also be used in legal contexts, such as 'vicarious liability,' and in religious contexts, such as 'vicarious atonement.'
