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.
Sacramento County sheriff’s officials said Davis was accused of victimizing over 80 children throughout the United States, children from California and 25 other states, including Texas, Indiana, Florida and New York. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 3 Sep. 2026 Boise State was victimized on special teams, giving up an 85-yard punt return for a TD and a 99-yard kickoff return for a score. — Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Sep. 2026 My life was turned upside down when I was victimized by an overseas wire transfer. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 28 Aug. 2026 Every conflict creates child trafficking because children are easily victimized. — Ashoka, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 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
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Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 7 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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