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On Yom Kippur, the ancient Hebrews would sacrifice one goat for God and lead another one, over whom all the sins of Israel had been confessed, into the wilderness to bear the sins of the people away. The ceremony is described in Leviticus, where it is said that one lot shall be cast for God and one for "Azazel." Modern scholars usually interpret Azazel (ʽazāzēl in Hebrew) as being the name of a demon living in the desert, but ancient biblical translators thought ʽazāzēl referred to the goat itself, apparently confusing the word with the Hebrew phrase ʽēz 'ōzēl, meaning "goat that departs." Thus, in a 16th century English translation, the word for Azazel/the goat was rendered as scapegoote—that is, "goat that escapes." The extended senses of scapegoat we use today evolved from this biblical use.
Examples of scapegoat in a Sentence
Time, 3 June 2025
Here’s how many state politicians deal with it: by seeking out scapegoats.
—U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 May 2025
Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
This is not to scapegoat, considering Wiggins’ injuries during his Heat tenure, but more about creating a fresh start.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scapegoat
Cite this Entry
“Scapegoat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scapegoat. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
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