victimize

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "victimize" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone becomes the target of moral or physical harm, injustice, or mistreatment. For example: "The bully victimized the smaller child, causing the child to feel frightened and insecure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Why did the church victimize victims by treating crimes as mere sins?

The New York Times

Monday, he spoke of the "mechanical indifference" of a financial trust, that it had the "indifference of a grinder to what it grinds," saying, "It did not intend to victimize its victims.

The New York Times

"Frustrated by the lack of good jobs and opportunities, they are victims of modernization, seeking to victimize others – like 'pampered' Muslims".

The New York Times

Whereas each of those crimes "ruined the lives and livelihoods of scores of victims," Mr. Rajaratnam's insider-trading offenses did not victimize anyone, his lawyers said.

The New York Times

US district judge Patrick Schiltz also sentenced Keith Michael Novak, 25, to three years of supervised release, saying Novak's crime was more serious than a typical identity theft case because, among other things, he used his military access "to victimize his fellow soldiers".

The Guardian

Is it to deny me agency and thus further victimize me?

The Guardian

The manuscript recounts how the plutocracy is able to victimize members of the lower classes and beat out democracy from society through secret mercenaries as well as how the revolution eventually fails to overcome such a powerful, seemingly omnipresent force.

Britannica

In general, trap flowers victimize beetles or flies of a primitive type.

Encyclopedia Britannica

John and Miss A are victimized by their loneliness, and they want to victimize other people because of it.

The New Yorker

The inmate's going to benefit from being rehabilitated, but it's really about protecting the decent people out in society who he'd victimize".

The New Yorker

They are, in our time, the least among us, the most vulnerable, and the easiest to victimize.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "victimize" when you want to emphasize the act of making someone a victim, often through deliberate or unjust actions. It highlights the power dynamic and the resulting harm.

Common error

Avoid using "victimize" as a noun. "Victimize" is a verb; the noun form is "victim". Saying "He was victimize" is incorrect; the correct phrasing is "He was victimized" or "He was a victim".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "victimize" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating who or what is being subjected to harm or mistreatment. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "victimize" is a grammatically sound and frequently used transitive verb, as affirmed by Ludwig. It signifies the act of causing harm or injustice to someone, often through deliberate or unjust actions. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage extends to encyclopedic and scientific contexts. While synonyms like "exploit" and "abuse" exist, "victimize" specifically emphasizes the act of making someone a victim. A common error is using it as a noun, whereas "victim" is the appropriate noun form. Understanding its function and purpose ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Exploit

Focuses on using someone for personal gain, often unfairly.

Take advantage of

Highlights unfairly benefiting from someone's vulnerability or situation.

Abuse

Emphasizes physical, emotional, or psychological harm inflicted on someone.

Prey on

Suggests targeting someone vulnerable for malicious purposes.

Bully

Implies intimidating or coercing someone through aggression.

Oppress

Indicates prolonged unjust treatment or control.

Harm

A general term indicating any form of damage or injury.

Injure

Focuses on physical or emotional wounds.

Mistreat

Suggests treating someone unfairly or poorly.

Do wrong to

A more formal way of expressing causing harm or injustice.

FAQs

How can you use "victimize" in a sentence?

You can use "victimize" to describe the act of making someone a victim, such as "The scammer sought to "victimize" elderly people" or "The company was accused of victimizing its employees".

What are some synonyms for "victimize"?

Alternatives to "victimize" include "exploit", "abuse", or "take advantage of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "victimize" and "victim"?

"Victimize" is a verb that describes the act of making someone a victim, while "victim" is a noun that refers to the person who has been harmed or wronged. For example, you can "victimize" someone, and that person becomes a victim.

Is it appropriate to use "victimize" in formal writing?

Yes, "victimize" is appropriate for formal writing when describing the act of making someone a victim. However, ensure the context is clear and the language is precise to avoid any ambiguity.