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 of victimize

• 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 sheriff's office is urging anyone who may have been victimized by Marchica or anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact detectives. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

If Benton victimized someone in his office, their right to privacy can be protected by redacting their identity. — Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Gang bosses had enjoyed surreal luxuries inside — a zoo, a discotheque, a cockfight arena — while directing rackets that had spread across the hemisphere as Tren de Aragua took control of smuggling routes and victimized Venezuelan immigrants. — Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 10 July 2026

According to News 6, the contractor initially declined to pay for repairs, saying the company had also been victimized. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1813, 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