vicarious

The definition of vicarious is living as if through someone else or acting for someone else.

(adjective)

An example of vicarious is when a mother who always wanted to be a dancer continually pushes her children to do ballet.

See vicarious in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

1. taking the place of another thing or person; substitute; deputy
2. held or handled by one person as the deputy of another; delegated: vicarious powers
1. endured, suffered, or performed by one person in place of another: vicarious punishment
2. shared in or experienced by imagined participation in another's experience: a vicarious thrill
Physiol. designating or of a function abnormally performed by other than the usual organ or part: vicarious menstruation

Origin: L vicarius, substituted: see vicar

Related Forms:

See vicarious in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of another: read about mountain climbing and experienced vicarious thrills.
Endured or done by one person substituting for another: vicarious punishment.
a. Acting or serving in place of someone or something else; substituted.
b. Committed or entrusted to another, as powers or authority; delegated.
Physiology Occurring in or performed by a part of the body not normally associated with a certain function.

Origin:

Origin: From Latin vicārius; see Vicar

Related Forms: