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.
Anyone who has been victimized has been asked to contact the Mountain View Police Department at (650) 903-6618. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Blackwood came in on relief for San Jose at the start of the second period, and Crosby quickly victimized him. Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024 And according to Blueprint, these men often feel pessimistic and disillusioned about America and its political system—something Trump has capitalized on, positioning himself as the antiestablishment figure being victimized by the Washington political elite. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 There’s my case and there’s a number of other cases with similar allegations, some involving underage people as well as adults that are victimized by him. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near victimize

Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!