Scapegoat
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3
Blame Transfer
Used when someone transfers blame to avoid responsibility or discredit others. Despite his mistakes, he looked for a scapegoat to pin the failure on.
Pro Tip 2/3
Unjust Treatment
Highlights the unjust nature of blaming a scapegoat; they are not truly at fault. She felt like a scapegoat when blamed for the project’s delay, which she didn't cause.
Pro Tip 3/3
Power Dynamics
Often involves power imbalance; those with less power are more likely to be scapegoats. As an intern, he was an easy scapegoat for the missing reports.