definitions

victimize

[ vik-tuh-mahyz ]
/ ˈvɪk təˌmaɪz /
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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.

RELATED WORDS

sting, dupe, exploit, persecute, deceive, hoax, fleece, hoodwink, clip, screw, gull, burn, chisel, use, snow, trick, bamboozle, immolate, swindle, cozen

Nearby words

vicontiel, vicq d'azyr's bundle, vict., victa, victim, victimize, victimless, victimless crime, victimology, victoire, victor
Also especially British, vic·tim·ise.

Origin of victimize

First recorded in 1820–30; victim + -ize

Related forms

vic·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 victimize

British Dictionary definitions for victimize

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 Forms

victimization 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