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

• ˌvictimiˈzation, noun
• ˈvictimˌizer, 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

This is an exceedingly dangerous mind-set that will victimize the whole country.

From Washington Post

In this shocking abuse of power, Secretary Wilkie publicly re-victimized the very people that the agency that he leads is supposed to serve.

From Washington Post

Many of the scams are the same, the crooks just switch to current events to victimize people, says Tony Anscombe, global cybersecurity expert and chief security evangelist at ESET, an IT security software and services company.

From Washington Post

“It’s like you’re being victimized all over again,” Jacob said.

From Washington Post

“It makes me sick to my stomach that criminals are using my name to victimize people,” Feldman said through a police spokesman.

From Washington Post

About police brutality, and the militarization of American police, and how the two have paired to victimize, mostly, black men.

From The Daily Beast

It says it has given Interpol the identities of the men who sought to victimize this little girl.

From The Daily Beast

But, when you act on it and victimize innocent citizens and fellow innocen officers, than that is a concern.

From The Daily Beast

But we have an entire language for the official ways in which you can victimize women.

From The Daily Beast

There is a luxury in the idea that on the morrow you will start fresh game, and victimize your tailor for another.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the critic who stands between him and the public he would victimize.

From Project Gutenberg

Most trappers do not take into consideration the keen scent of the animal they hope to victimize.

From Project Gutenberg

Their mission is to deceive and victimize the American people.

From Project Gutenberg

If a man wants to do a mean action, let him not select a woman to victimize.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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