revictimize

verb

re·​vic·​tim·​ize (ˌ)rē-ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce revictimize (audio)
revictimized; revictimizing

transitive verb

: to victimize (someone) again : to make a victim of (someone) again
"This scam revictimized families who were already suffering from the collapse of the housing market."Eric Schneiderman
revictimization noun
plural revictimizations
… forcing a victim to face an abuser in the presence of others and articulate the painful details of the abuse she has suffered can be tantamount to revictimization. Ayonna Johnson

Examples of revictimize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web More likely than bringing about justice, these rumors will revictimize friends, family and community members who are already traumatized. Jenna Ryu, USA TODAY, 4 Jan. 2023 Chukwu’s first wish is clearly not to revictimize Emmett Till, but in eliding such details and avoiding the torture, Chukwu relies perhaps too much on our imagination. Peter Debruge, Variety, 1 Oct. 2022 Advocates worry evictions can revictimize vulnerable Utahns, such as those facing domestic violence. The Salt Lake Tribune, 19 Mar. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'revictimize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of revictimize was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near revictimize

Cite this Entry

“Revictimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revictimize. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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