Victimized: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when someone has been treated unfairly or cruelly, often as a target of a crime or malicious act.

• She felt victimized by the constant bullying at school
• Many people were victimized by the online scam

Used when someone is taken advantage of, typically for personal gain or profit, often in an unfair manner.

• The workers were exploited by being paid very low wages
• Her kindness was exploited by those who asked for favors without returning them

Describes the systematic or prolonged mistreatment and control of people, usually by authority figures or systems.

• The minority group felt oppressed by the discriminatory laws
• They fought against the regime that oppressed them for decades

Refers to someone being treated with cruelty or violence, especially repeatedly. This term can be used in various contexts including physical, emotional, or substance abuse.

• The child was abused by his caretaker
• She felt emotionally abused in her toxic relationship

Use this word when someone has been unfairly treated or harmed by someone else, often repeatedly. It implies a sense of being targeted and suffering unjustly.

• She felt victimized by her employer's constant criticisms
• The community was victimized by the corrupt officials

Employ this word when someone commits a form of deception to gain money or valuable possessions illegally. It is often used in legal or financial contexts.

• The accountant was arrested for attempting to defraud the company
• They used fake documents to defraud the bank

This word is used when someone cheats or deceives others to steal money or possessions. It often carries a connotation of trickery or cleverness in the deceit.

• He swindled elderly people out of their savings
• They swindled money from the investors by promising high returns

This word is typically used when someone deceives others to gain something, often in games, tests, or competitions. It can also be used in the context of relationships.

• He was caught trying to cheat on the exam
• She found out that her partner had been cheating on her