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

Bibee, whose last victory was July 20, has been victimized by lack of run support all year. — ABC News, 22 Aug. 2026

For example, he was victimized on a big gain in the first quarter that was wiped out by a penalty. — Matt Barrows, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

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

Ewers played through the injury but completed just 1 of 8 passes (one was intercepted) and was victimized by multiple mistakes by the team’s receivers. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 16 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