victimize

/ˈvɪktɪmaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈvɪktɪmaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈvik-tə-ˌmīz/ (ame, mw)

victimize — verb

  • victimizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • victimizeshe / she / it
  • victimizedpast simple
  • victimizing-ing form

1. to single out a person or group for harsh or unequal treatment because of who th

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to single out a person or group for harsh or unequal treatment because of who they are, what they believe, or something connected with them

例句

Several Muslim students said they were victimized after the election debate at school.

be victimized after conflict over identity or views

The landlord victimized Mei because she kept asking for repairs in the kitchen.

同義詞
  • persecute

    usually stronger and often linked to repeated oppression by authorities or society

  • bully

    focuses on repeated intimidation, often in school or workplace settings

  • discriminate against

    stresses unfair treatment based on race, sex, age, or another protected trait

反義詞
  • protect

    means keeping someone safe instead of making them a target

  • support

    focuses on helping someone rather than treating them unfairly

文法句型

victimize + somebody

be victimized by + person or group

victimize + somebody for or because of + reason

用法筆記

Often used when someone is treated badly because of identity, beliefs, or a weaker position. Common in passive forms and in discussion of prejudice, bullying, or abuse of power.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher victimized me by giving hard homework.
✅The teacher treated me unfairly by giving me extra homework.
💡victimize suggests targeted mistreatment, not just something unpleasant.
❌Online ads victimized me all day.
✅The online ads annoyed me all day.
💡victimize is used for unfair targeting or abuse, not ordinary irritation.

2. to take money, property, or another benefit from someone through lies, false pro

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to take money, property, or another benefit from someone through lies, false promises, or another dishonest trick

例句

The fake repair company victimized elderly homeowners by charging for work it never did.

victimize [people] by deception or fraud

Tourists were victimized by a ticket scam outside the stadium in Naples.

同義詞
  • defraud

    formal and strongly tied to taking money or property by dishonest means

  • swindle

    more vivid and often suggests a well-planned trick for money

  • scam

    more informal and often used for online or modern fraud schemes

反義詞
  • reimburse

    means giving back money instead of taking it dishonestly

  • compensate

    focuses on paying someone fairly for loss or damage

文法句型

victimize + somebody

victimize + somebody by + deceptive act

be victimized by + scam or fraud

用法筆記

This sense focuses on gaining money or advantage by tricking people. Unlike sense 1, it is about fraud rather than unfair treatment based on identity or power.

常見錯誤

❌The shop victimized me because the price was high.
✅The shop overcharged me.
💡victimize in this sense needs deliberate deception, not just expensive prices.
❌The bank victimized Rui by refusing his loan.
✅The bank treated Rui unfairly by refusing his loan.
💡refusal alone is not fraud unless someone is tricked or cheated.