victimize

[ vik-tuh-mahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, vic·tim·ized, vic·tim·iz·ing.

1. to make a victim of.
2. to dupe, swindle, or cheat:

   to victimize poor widows.

   Synonyms: beguile, hoodwink, fool, defraud

3. to slay as or like a sacrificial victim.

victimize

/ ˈvɪktɪˌmaɪz /

verb

1. to punish or discriminate against selectively or unfairly
2. to make a victim of
3. to kill as or in a manner resembling a sacrificial victim

Derived Forms

• ˈvictimˌizer, noun
• ˌvictimiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• vic·tim·i·za·tion [vik-t, uh, -m, uh, -, zey, -sh, uh, n] noun
• vic·tim·iz·er noun
• un·vic·tim·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of victimize¹

First recorded in 1820–30; victim + -ize

Synonym Study

See cheat.

Example Sentences

Nazarian, whose family fled Iran when he was 8, said there will always be people who seek to victimize others, and therefore, a need for police.

From Los Angeles Times

Concerned that Californians were being victimized by novel types of lenders, state lawmakers gave regulators broad power in 2021 to guard against unfair, deceptive and abusive practices in the financial services industry.

From Los Angeles Times

Trump consistently frames his own murderous aggression as simple retaliation against being victimized by liberal persecutors.

From Salon

He frames his own murderous aggression as simple retaliation against being victimized by liberal persecutors.

From Salon

Investigations into Combs, his high-profile social circle and his popular white parties have led to rampant conspiracy theorizing online, with many speculating about A-listers supposedly involved in or victimized by his alleged schemes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deceive
• discriminate against
• dupe
• exploit
• persecute
• pick on
• prey on
• sting