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

• beat
• bilk
• bleed
• cheat
• chisel
• chouse
• con
• cozen
• defraud
• diddle
• do
• do in
• euchre
• fiddle
• fleece
• flimflam
• gaff
• hose [slang]
• hustle
• mulct
• nobble [British slang]
• pluck
• ream
• rip off
• rook
• screw
• shake down
• short
• shortchange
• skin
• skunk
• squeeze
• stick
• stiff
• sting
• sucker
• swindle
• thimblerig

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 you were personally victimized by these eclipses, you may be entitled to financial compensation. —Roya Backlund, StyleCaster, 13 Dec. 2024

Her family, who drew national attention to her case, have been vocal in raising awareness about her, including their concerns about whether she was victimized in some way. —Christine Pelisek, People.com, 7 Dec. 2024

It is loosely based on the experiences of Latvian citizens under Soviet rule, who were victimized for showing interest in western culture and music. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Nov. 2024

Anyone who believes they may have been victimized is encouraged to contact their band bank to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1830, 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