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

Even after Blanc arrives, he’s confounded to find himself occasionally standing on the sidelines, a bystander in Jud’s moral crusade to herd his congregation toward righteousness.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Scientists have long debated whether water in these confined regions simply behaves as a passive bystander or affects how molecules interact.

Read more on Science Daily

Brendan Moylan, a member of parliament for Northern Tablelands, the region where Walcha is located, thanked emergency responders and other bystanders for their "swift and incredibly professional work at the scene".

Read more on BBC

It made me realise that bystanders can feel incredibly conflicted about taking action.

Read more on BBC

Police and bystanders rescued the group, but one woman suffered a heart attack and could not be revived.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• eyewitness 
• observer 
• onlooker 
• passerby 
• spectator