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Victimize: meaning, definitions and examples

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victimize

 

[ ˈvɪktɪˌmaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

injustice

To make someone suffer unfairly, especially because of their race, religion, or beliefs. It can also refer to making someone a victim of a crime or deception.

Synonyms

abuse, exploit, oppress, target

Examples of usage

  • He felt victimized by the discrimination he faced at work.
  • She was victimized by a scam artist who took advantage of her trust.
  • The vulnerable population was victimized by the corrupt government officials.
  • The media often victimizes certain groups by portraying them in a negative light.
  • The victimized community came together to seek justice.
Context #2 | Verb

criminal act

To commit a crime against someone, causing them harm or loss. It can involve physical, emotional, or financial harm.

Synonyms

assault, defraud, mug, prey on

Examples of usage

  • The burglars victimized several households in the neighborhood.
  • The cybercriminals victimized innocent internet users.
  • Fraudsters often victimize vulnerable individuals for financial gain.

Translations

Translations of the word "victimize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vitimizar

🇮🇳 पीड़ित बनाना

🇩🇪 zum Opfer machen

🇮🇩 mengorbankan

🇺🇦 віктимізувати

🇵🇱 wiktymizować

🇯🇵 被害者にする

🇫🇷 victimiser

🇪🇸 victimizar

🇹🇷 mağdur etmek

🇰🇷 희생시키다

🇸🇦 جعل ضحية

🇨🇿 viktimizovat

🇸🇰 viktimizovať

🇨🇳 使受害

🇸🇮 viktimizirati

🇮🇸 gera að fórnarlambi

🇰🇿 жәбірлеу

🇬🇪 მსხვერპლად ქცევა

🇦🇿 qurban etmək

🇲🇽 victimizar

Etymology

The word 'victimize' originated in the late 19th century from the noun 'victim,' which comes from the Latin word 'victima,' meaning 'sacrificial animal.' Over time, 'victimize' evolved to describe the act of making someone a victim of injustice or crime. The concept of victimization has been studied in various fields, including criminology and sociology, to understand the impact of victimization on individuals and communities.

See also: victimization, victimized, victims.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,726, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.