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

While people with severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia are more likely to be victimized than to harm others, Guzman had been violent in the past. —Selina Guevara, NBC news, 19 Apr. 2026

Most of them are victimized on online gaming platforms and social media websites. —Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 16 Apr. 2026

The women, by contrast, said Weinstein dangled his Hollywood influence to draw them into his orbit and then victimize them. —ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026

The Orioles took a four-run lead in the sixth when Coby Mayo blooped a run-scoring single to center against Ryan Walker, who was victimized despite throwing a near-perfect slider on the outside corner. —Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 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