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

Data shows that people between the ages of 22 to 25 years old have been victimized the most by gun violence during that timeframe (15 dead, 46 shot). —Adam Thompson, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026

Anyone with information about her whereabouts, or who believes their homeowners association may have been victimized in a similar way, is asked to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. —Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

Horner previously victimized the young woman under similar circumstances in the summer of 2013, according to other affidavits. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized or those with information about the investigation have been asked to contact the Middletown Police Investigative Services Division 860-638-4140 or Det. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Apr. 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