victimize

verb

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

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.
Her firm’s record includes some of the most significant results in the field, such as a record-setting $262 million jury verdict against Prudential Securities and a $30 million settlement for a 100-year-old widow who was victimized by investment fraud. William Jones, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 Right-hander José Soriano was not sharp, and also was victimized by a critical defensive mistake behind him. Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025 Both got victimized on play-action and missed too many tackles. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Sep. 2025 So the reality is, people are on edge because everyone knows someone who's been victimized. Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for victimize

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of victimize was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 17 Sep. 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

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