victimize

[ vik-tuh-mahyz ]

/ ˈvɪk təˌmaɪz /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: victimize / victimized / victimization / victimizer 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.

OTHER WORDS FOR victimize

2 defraud, fool, hoodwink, beguile.

See synonyms for victimize on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also especially British, vic·tim·ise .

Origin of victimize

First recorded in 1820–30; victim + -ize

synonym study for victimize

2. See cheat.

OTHER WORDS FROM victimize

vic·tim·i·za·tion

[vik-tuh-muh-zey-shuhn] /ˌvɪk tə məˈzeɪ ʃən/ nounvic·tim·iz·er, nounun·vic·tim·ized, adjective

Words nearby victimize

vicontiel, Vict., Victa, victim, victimization, victimize, victimless crime, victimology, Victoire, victor, Victor Charlie

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use victimize in a sentence

This is an exceedingly dangerous mind-set that will victimize the whole country.
Why the Republican cult of victimhood is so dangerous|Max Boot|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
In this shocking abuse of power, Secretary Wilkie publicly re-victimized the very people that the agency that he leads is supposed to serve.
Watchdog finds VA Secretary Robert Wilkie questioned the credibility of a House aide who reported a sexual assault at hospital|Lisa Rein|December 11, 2020|Washington Post
Many of the scams are the same, the crooks just switch to current events to victimize people, says Tony Anscombe, global cybersecurity expert and chief security evangelist at ESET, an IT security software and services company.
Shop safe. The scammers are coming for you.|Michelle Singletary|November 23, 2020|Washington Post
“It’s like you’re being victimized all over again,” Jacob said.
Domestic violence survivors say they were kicked out by the housing program that promised to help them|Rachel Chason, Katie Mettler|October 30, 2020|Washington Post

“It makes me sick to my stomach that criminals are using my name to victimize people,” Feldman said through a police spokesman.
Phony police officers scam $1.5 million from Maryland residents|Dan Morse|October 29, 2020|Washington Post
About police brutality, and the militarization of American police, and how the two have paired to victimize, mostly, black men.
When Activism Is Worse Than Apathy|Nancy Kaffer|October 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It says it has given Interpol the identities of the men who sought to victimize this little girl.
Dutch NGO Stages Sting Of Pedophiles With Virtual Girl|Christopher Dickey|November 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But, when you act on it and victimize innocent citizens and fellow innocen officers, than that is a concern.
Rogue L.A. Cop’s Facebook Manifesto: ‘You Will Now Live the Life of Prey’|The Daily Beast|February 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But we have an entire language for the official ways in which you can victimize women.
Does Pakistan Have No Shame?|Fatima Bhutto|February 11, 2009|DAILY BEAST
There is a luxury in the idea that on the morrow you will start fresh game, and victimize your tailor for another.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXVIII. February, 1843. Vol. LIII.|Various
It is the critic who stands between him and the public he would victimize.
How to Listen to Music, 7th ed.|Henry Edward Krehbiel
Most trappers do not take into consideration the keen scent of the animal they hope to victimize.
Steel Traps|A. R. (Arthur Robert) Harding
Their mission is to deceive and victimize the American people.
Auricular Confession and Popish Nunneries|William Hogan
If a man wants to do a mean action, let him not select a woman to victimize.
Rose Clark|Fanny Fern

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 of victimize

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

victimize

OTHER WORDS FOR victimize

Origin of victimize

synonym study for victimize

OTHER WORDS FROM victimize

Words nearby victimize

Words related to victimize

How to use victimize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for victimize

victimise

Derived forms of victimize