victimize

verb

vic·tim·ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz

victimized; victimizing

Synonyms of victimize

transitive verb

: to make a victim of

: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat

victimization

ˌvik-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən

noun

victimizer

ˈvik-tə-ˌmī-zər

noun

Examples of victimize in a Sentence

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.

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

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of victimize was in 1813

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

victimization

victimize

victimizer

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“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

victimized; victimizing

: to make a victim of especially by cheating

victimize

verb

Synonyms of victimize

Examples of victimize in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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