victimize

verb

vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz 

victimized; victimizing

transitive verb

1

: to make a victim of

2

: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat

victimization

ˌvik-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

victimizer

ˈvik-tə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• cheat
• pluck
• squeeze
• sting
• hustle
• deceive
• screw
• defraud
• beat
• stick
• do

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

The organization conducting it discovered a large number of high school and junior high students were being victimized. —Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Aug. 2025

In the company’s earnings release and in prepared remarks on a subsequent conference call with investors, Thomson noted the irony of Trump as an IP holder being victimized by AI. —Dade Hayes, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2025

Woodson, for now, projects to help in dime packages with six defensive backs, though he was victimized alongside veteran Jaylinn Hawkins when Maye found Javon Baker for a long touchdown. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 26 July 2025

Advertisement For many Filipinos, particularly those victimized under the elder Duterte’s presidency, his arrest and his daughter’s impeachment served as a reckoning. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 25 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

victimize

verb

vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz 

victimized; victimizing

: to make a victim of especially by cheating