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

Dominic West specializes in playing men who feel victimized by the consequences of their own actions. — Linda Holmes, NPR, 3 Oct. 2026

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are asking anyone who believes they may have been victimized by McVay, or who has worked with her, to come forward. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2026

Taaffe was victimized in coverage, permitting three completions on three targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Sep. 2026

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

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