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.
The nation has seen many icons of American enterprise victimized in the same way Paramount/CBS and Disney/ABC were attacked. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 7 July 2025 That's not good enough to investors who feel victimized by Grubbs. Teri Siewert of Florida pressured Grubbs to repay her before the bankruptcy case and led the charge to stop him from seeking new investors. Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 2 July 2025 Moreover, McElhenney isn't the only one who's been victimized by his name. EW.com, 2 July 2025 Deadly shooting at Antioch High School sparks conversation about support for immigrant and Hispanic populations, which comprise a significant part of the community victimized by this tragedy. Liam Adams, The Tennessean, 2 July 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 19 Jul. 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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