victimize

1 of 2

verb

vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce victimize (audio)
victimized; victimizing
Synonyms of victimizenext

transitive verb

1
: to make a victim of
2
: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat
victimization
ˌvik-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce victimize (audio)
noun
victimizer
ˈvik-tə-ˌmī-zər How to pronounce victimize (audio)
noun

victimization

2 of 2

noun

vic·​tim·​iza·​tion ˌviktə̇mə̇ˈzāshən How to pronounce victimization (audio)
-tə̇ˌmīˈ-
plural -s
: the act or process of victimizing or the state of being victimized

Synonyms of victimize

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Verb

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Examples of victimize in a Sentence

Verb They were victimized because of their religion. victimized by a confidence man with a slick story
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
My life was turned upside down when I was victimized by an overseas wire transfer. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Every conflict creates child trafficking because children are easily victimized. — Ashoka, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said the suspect was wanted on felony and misdemeanor charges and urged others who may have been victimized to come forward. — Juwon Funes, ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 For example, he was victimized on a big gain in the first quarter that was wiped out by a penalty. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for victimize

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of victimize was in 1813

Browse Nearby Words

victimization
victimize
victimizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

victimize

verb
vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce victimize (audio)
victimized; victimizing
: to make a victim of especially by cheating
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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