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

Boise State’s defense was victimized by Air Force’s triple-option rushing attack and its passing game, allowing 269 yards on the ground, 242 through the air and a slew of big plays, which in one stretch allowed the Falcons (1-2, 0-2) to score on five of six drives. —Jim Keyser, Idaho Statesman, 21 Sep. 2025

How often have you been inconvenienced or downright victimized by cybercrime? —Rick Bennett, Time, 17 Sep. 2025

Her firm’s record includes some of the most significant results in the field, such as a record-setting $262 million jury verdict against Prudential Securities and a $30 million settlement for a 100-year-old widow who was victimized by investment fraud. —William Jones, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

As part of his plea agreement, Styner admitted to victimizing a dozen girls, who prosecutors said were all identified. —Doha Madani, NBC news, 14 Sep. 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