victimize

verb

vic·tim·ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz

victimized; victimizing

Synonyms of victimize

transitive verb

: to make a victim of

: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat

victimization

ˌvik-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən

noun

victimizer

ˈvik-tə-ˌmī-zər

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.

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 McCaffrey, his face and throat victimized by a first-half hit, also emerged with a season-high 75 rushing yards (15 carries; 1-yard touchdown) plus 41 receiving yards. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for victimize

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of victimize was in 1813

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

victimization

victimize

victimizer

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

victimize

verb

vic·tim·ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz

victimized; victimizing

: to make a victim of especially by cheating

victimize

verb

Synonyms of victimize

Examples of victimize in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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