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

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

In 2024, 496 people were victimized; the number was 490 in 2023. — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Raise your hand if you’ve been victimized by the summertime jump scare that is a molting cardinal. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026

Companies that do create the images could face a civil penalty of up to $500,000 and the people who have been victimized can seek damages. — Aki Nace, CBS News, 29 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