victimize

verb

vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz 

victimized; victimizing

transitive verb

1

: to make a victim of

2

: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat

victimization

ˌvik-tə-mə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

victimizer

ˈvik-tə-ˌmī-zər 

noun

Synonyms of victimize

• cheat
• pluck
• squeeze
• sting
• hustle
• deceive
• screw
• defraud
• beat
• stick
• do

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

If Benton victimized someone in his office, their right to privacy can be protected by redacting their identity. — Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026

Wagstaffe said investigators are encouraging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Aguilar to contact law enforcement. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 13 July 2026

Gang bosses had enjoyed surreal luxuries inside — a zoo, a discotheque, a cockfight arena — while directing rackets that had spread across the hemisphere as Tren de Aragua took control of smuggling routes and victimized Venezuelan immigrants. — Sebastian Rotella, ProPublica, 10 July 2026

According to News 6, the contractor initially declined to pay for repairs, saying the company had also been victimized. — Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1813, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

victimize

verb

vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz 

victimized; victimizing

: to make a victim of especially by cheating