victimize

[ vik-tuh-mahyz ]

/ ˈvɪk təˌmaɪz /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR victimize ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), vic·tim·ized, vic·tim·iz·ing.

to make a victim of.

to dupe, swindle, or cheat: to victimize poor widows.

to slay as or like a sacrificial victim.

Nearby words

Also especially British, vic·tim·ise.

Origin of victimize

First recorded in 1820–30; victim + -ize

SYNONYMS FOR victimize

2. defraud, fool, hoodwink, beguile.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR victimize ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsvic·tim·i·za·tion, nounvic·tim·iz·er, nounun·vic·tim·ized, adjective

Synonym study

2. See cheat.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for victimization

The politics of victimization are a potent force in the world today.
We're Still Fighting the Opium Wars|William O’Connor|August 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Indeed, the language used in defiance of these anti-discrimination laws takes on the language of victimization.
Religious Conservatives Are the New Minority, But They’re Not Victims|Gene Robinson|March 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Being pressed to conform to such a change in majority opinion must feel like victimization.
Religious Conservatives Are the New Minority, But They’re Not Victims|Gene Robinson|March 30, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At that age, the sense of victimization is very strong, and “Les Mis” is all about victimization.
Why All the Hate for Les Mis?|Megan McArdle|January 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST

How much longer are we going to accept the cries of victimization from the strongest and richest nation in the Middle East?
A Blunder No PR Can Fix|Reza Aslan|June 1, 2010|DAILY BEAST
They do save money, and are thus fattened up to a state which admits of victimization.
North America, Volume I (of 2)|Anthony Trollope
Ten shillings per week to be paid in strike and victimization pay.
From Crow-Scaring to Westminster; an Autobiography|George Edwards M.P., O.B.E.
My victimization had created a bitter feeling in the division, and some very exciting scenes occurred during the election.
From Crow-Scaring to Westminster; an Autobiography|George Edwards M.P., O.B.E.
My old friend George Hewitt, the branch secretary, was specially marked out for victimization.
From Crow-Scaring to Westminster; an Autobiography|George Edwards M.P., O.B.E.
The correspondence revealed most glaring cases of victimization.
From Crow-Scaring to Westminster; an Autobiography|George Edwards M.P., O.B.E.

British Dictionary definitions for victimization

victimize

victimise

/ (ˈvɪktɪˌmaɪz) /

verb (tr)

to punish or discriminate against selectively or unfairly

to make a victim of

to kill as or in a manner resembling a sacrificial victim

Derived Formsvictimization or victimisation, nounvictimizer or victimiser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for victimization

victimization

1840, noun of action from victimize.

victimize

1830, from victim + -ize. Related: Victimized; victimizing.

victimize

verb (used with object), vic·tim·ized, vic·tim·iz·ing.

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of victimize

Synonym study

Examples from the Web for victimization

victimize

victimise

verb (tr)

victimization

victimize