victimize

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to make a victim of
2
: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat
victimization
ˌvik-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce victimize (audio)
noun
victimizer
ˈvik-tə-ˌmī-zər How to pronounce victimize (audio)
noun

Synonyms of victimize

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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.
Raise your hand if you’ve been victimized by the summertime jump scare that is a molting cardinal. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 30 July 2026 Companies that do create the images could face a civil penalty of up to $500,000 and the people who have been victimized can seek damages. — Aki Nace, CBS News, 29 July 2026 The sheriff's office is urging anyone who may have been victimized by Marchica or anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact detectives. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 If Benton victimized someone in his office, their right to privacy can be protected by redacting their identity. — Chicago Tribune, 17 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

victimization
victimize
victimizer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

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