victimize

verb

vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce victimize (audio)
victimized; victimizing
Synonyms of victimizenext

transitive verb

1
: to make a victim of
2
: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat
victimization noun
victimizer noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Since athletes have been able to earn NIL, some have been victimized by agents who have charged shockingly high commissions or have tried to take ownership of the athlete’s intellectual property rights. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Dec. 2025 Another year to exploit, coerce, extort and re-victimize children. Maureen Flatley, Boston Herald, 6 Dec. 2025 Groves primarily targeted vulnerable women between 1978 and 1988, and was known to victimize hitchhikers. Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 2 Dec. 2025 Stern said there are steps to take, both to avoid scams, and even if already been victimized by a scam. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for victimize

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of victimize was in 1813

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 12 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

victimize

verb
vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce victimize (audio)
victimized; victimizing
: to make a victim of especially by cheating

More from Merriam-Webster on victimize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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