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

During the investigation, a second student came forward and told detectives she had also been victimized by the suspect, Shih said. —Jason Green, Mercury News, 28 May 2026

The poll found the majority of Republicans, 52%, and a plurality of MAGA supporters, 45%, oppose the controversial fund set up by the Justice Department to pay people who believe they’ve been victimized by the government. —Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Yet in Washington, many still speak as if every bilateral trade deficit is proof that America is being victimized. —Richard W. Rahn, Fortune, 27 May 2026

During their investigation, a second juvenile survivor came forward and reported that the suspect also victimized her, police said. —Kassia Bonesteel, CBS News, 27 May 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