scapegoat
//ˈskeɪpˌɡoʊt//
Noun
scapegoatSingular
scapegoatsPlural
1
A person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others, especially for reasons of expediency.
The manager was made a scapegoat for the company's failure.
2
(Biblical) A goat sent into the wilderness after the Jewish chief priest had symbolically laid the sins of the people upon it.
In the ancient Jewish tradition, the scapegoat was released into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement.
Synonym
Verb
1
To make someone a scapegoat; to blame someone unfairly for problems caused by others.
The manager scapegoated the new employee for the team's failure.