Victimized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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victimized

[หˆvษชk.tษช.maษชzd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feeling

To make someone feel as though they are a victim, especially of a crime or injustice.

Synonyms

abused, exploited, oppressed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
victimized

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
exploited

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
oppressed

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
abused

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

Examples of usage

  • She felt victimized by the unfair treatment she received at work.
  • He was victimized by the robbery that took place in his neighborhood.
Context #2 | Verb

criminal act

To treat someone unfairly or harmfully, especially in a criminal manner.

Synonyms

cheat, defraud, swindle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
victimized

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
defraud

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
swindle

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
cheat

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

Examples of usage

  • The scam victimized many unsuspecting individuals.
  • The fraud scheme victimized innocent people out of their life savings.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Victim mentality refers to a personโ€™s belief that they are always the victim in every scenario, which can lead to a cycle of negativity.
  • Experiencing victimization can trigger feelings of helplessness, which impacts mental well-being and resilience.

Pop Culture

  • In many films and books, the theme of being victimized often leads characters to personal growth or revenge.
  • Popular songs like 'Survivor' and 'Stronger' focus on overcoming the feelings associated with being victimized.

Legal Studies

  • In law, being victimized can result in legal rights being afforded to victims, like restitution and support services.
  • The concept is crucial in understanding crime and justice, emphasizing both victim rights and offender accountability.

Sociology

  • Social dynamics often contribute to victimization, where marginalized groups may face higher risks of being victimized.
  • Public awareness campaigns aim to combat victimization by educating about support systems and rights.

Origin of 'victimized'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'victima', meaning 'sacrificial animal', indicating someone who suffers unfairly.
  • It evolved in English from the late 15th century, originally describing someone who suffers for a cause or due to misfortune.

The word 'victimized' originated from the Latin word 'victima', which means 'sacrificial animal'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to individuals who have been harmed or treated unfairly, especially in a criminal context. The concept of victimization has played a significant role in criminology and sociology, highlighting the impact of crime and injustice on individuals and society as a whole.


See also: victimization, victimize, victims.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,736, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.