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.
There’s my case and there’s a number of other cases with similar allegations, some involving underage people as well as adults that are victimized by him. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 Oct. 2024 The couple’s children, between the ages of 3 and 22, were also victimized by him, per police, the outlets reported. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 10 Oct. 2024 Often, the governments victimized are struggling financially, and the theft of public money can have a real-life impact on citizens paying the bills, particularly in sparsely populated areas. Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Oct. 2024 Concerned that Californians were being victimized by novel types of lenders, state lawmakers gave regulators broad power in 2021 to guard against unfair, deceptive and abusive practices in the financial services industry. Jon Healey, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near victimize

Cite this Entry

“Victimize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victimize. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!