Definition of Innocent Bystander

Nglish: Translating viewers for Spanish speakers A viewer does exactly what the word describes: he stands next to him, observes what is happening, but does not participate. You will often hear the expression « innocent spectator ». For example, a newspaper may report on a fight that breaks out after a football match and results in injuries to innocent spectators. Before this word was coined around 1610, Stander was common. These sample sentences are automatically selected from various online information sources to reflect the current use of the word « viewer. » The opinions expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us your feedback. Someone who watches an event without attending it is a spectator. Police may want to interview all passers-by who witnessed a robbery to obtain a description of the thief.