victimology

American

[vik-tuh-mol-uh-jee] / ˌvɪk təˈmɒl ə dʒi /

noun

the study of crime victim and the psychological effects of being a victim.

victimology British

/ ˌvɪktɪˈmɒlədʒɪ /

noun

the study of the psychological effects experienced by the victims of crime

"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

Other Word Forms

victimologist noun

Etymology

Origin of victimology

First recorded in 1955–60; from French victimologie; see origin at victim ( def. ), -o-, -logy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He has a tenuous relationship to reality, and increasingly retreats into victimology and a persecution complex.

From Salon • Aug. 18, 2023

But the combination of unorthodox marketing and conspiracy theory catnip has made “Sound of Freedom” the perfect focus for another sort of victimology.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 21, 2023

I then reverse it all, invoking my own victimology, And when I’m wrong the first thing I demand is your apology.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2021

"The victimology really created a problem for the police," noted Furhman.

From Fox News • Mar. 30, 2020

Epstein refers elsewhere to "victimology" as ruining scholarship.

From Slate • Sep. 27, 2011

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023