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

In one recent incident filmed by a bystander and widely circulated among Kenyans, police shot a Nairobi street vendor in the head at point-blank range, apparently unprovoked.

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The first fire captain on scene used the help of about 15 bystanders to lift part of the helicopter off one of the victims who was trapped underneath, Sylvia said.

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The American people now have to choose if they will be bystanders or agents in their own destiny.

Read more on Salon

Dozens of street vendors — selling freshly made orange juice, ice cream, hot dogs and flags — walked with the crowd, and several bystanders filmed from their apartment balconies.

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The woman pulls into a driveway, exits her car and grabs another bystander.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• eyewitness 
• observer 
• onlooker 
• passerby 
• spectator