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

Even though so many seniors are being victimized, Florida did not provide any additional funding for the Office of Financial Regulation charged with enforcement and auditing thousands of machines. — Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

In 2021, he and his brother, Sean Tyler, were both exonerated for the crime after his attorneys successfully argued they were victimized by detectives in Area 1’s homicide bureau working under Burge. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Likely victimized four different Cowboys defenders on his four third-down conversions. — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026

Anyone who believes they were victimized by Lynch or has information relevant to the investigation is asked to contact Prince George’s County detectives. — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 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