# bystander

/ˈbaɪˌstændɝ/ (US) · /bˈaɪstændɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bystander
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a person who is standing near an event or accident but is not taking part in it. You are just watching what is happening.

For teachers: a person who is present at an event or incident but does not take part in it. Often used in the context of accidents, crimes, or public disturbances.

## Examples

- An innocent bystander was hurt during the street fight.
- Several bystanders watched the rescue attempt from the sidewalk, but none of them knew how to help.
- The psychological phenomenon known as the bystander effect suggests that individuals are less likely to offer help to a victim when other people are present.

## Usage notes

- Often paired with the adjective 'innocent' to emphasize that the person had no connection to the conflict.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.