victimize

verb

vic·​tim·​ize ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce victimize (audio)
victimized; victimizing

transitive verb

1
: to make a victim of
2
: to subject to deception or fraud : cheat
victimization noun
victimizer noun

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.
In all, 14 jewelers whose merchandise Brink’s was transporting to Pasadena were victimized that day. Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025 The store, which was open for business Wednesday, has been victimized by robbers or smash-and-grab burglars more than a half-dozen times in the last few months, authorities said. Harry Harris, Mercury News, 12 June 2025 Red Sox starter Brayan Bello was later victimized by some sloppy defense in the fifth. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 10 June 2025 And he was victimized by a couple balls flared into the outfield. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for victimize

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of victimize was in 1830

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on victimize

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