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victimize

[ vik-tuh-mahyz ]
/ ˈvɪk təˌmaɪz /
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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.
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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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to victimize

deceive, dupe, exploit, persecute, pick on, prey on, sting, bamboozle, burn, chisel, clip, con, cozen, defraud, fleece, gull, hoax, hoodwink, immolate, screw

How to use victimize in a sentence

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
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