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 Quakes were victimized on defense once again as they’ve been outscored 12-4 during their four post-break matches. — Mercury News, 16 Aug. 2026

Penalties may be increased if the suspect is a repeat offender or if children are victimized. — Peter D'oench, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

The is mostly a political one that the far-right uses to stoke prejudice and hatred against a community already victimized by that and bullying. — Greg Cote august 9, Miami Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

At a bail hearing, Manz denied assaulting anyone and said the video evidence supported he had been victimized. — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 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