victimization

[ vik-tuh-muh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of making someone into a victim by harming or killing them:

   Mentally ill people who wander these streets are particularly vulnerable to victimization by criminal predators.

2. the act or fact of blaming others for the hardships one encounters in life:

   That school of thought says that victimization is an attitude: you may have no control over what happens to you, but you can control what you do with it.

Word History and Origins

Origin of victimization¹

First recorded in 1840–50; victimiz(e) ( def ) + -ation ( def )

Example Sentences

DeAngelis and any of his allies are deprived of the ability to hide behind Trumpian claims of victimization at the hands of "communists."

From Salon

“First, the people living on the street are open to all kinds of untold victimization,” he added.

From Los Angeles Times

Can she break out of the mythological trap of female victimization?

From Los Angeles Times

Because that added another level of victimization to them.

From Salon

"This is their identity now — constant victimization," Stewart said.

From Salon

Related Words

• deception