Word
victimized
Phoneticsvic·tim·ized, stress on the first syllable
/ˈvɪktəmaɪzd/
UK spelling · victimised
Definition
adj. feeling like you are being treated unfairly or being picked on by someone else. You use this when someone in power makes life difficult for you on purpose.
adj. subjected to cruel, unfair, or discriminatory treatment. Often used predicatively to describe the psychological state of a person targeted by systemic or individual harassment.
Examples
“He felt victimized by his boss's constant criticism.”
“The employees felt victimized after the new management implemented strict rules that only applied to their specific department.”
“Sociologists argue that individuals from marginalized backgrounds are more likely to feel victimized by institutional policies that appear neutral on the surface but have disparate impacts in practice.”
Examples
simple
“He felt victimized by his boss's constant criticism.”
contextual
“The employees felt victimized after the new management implemented strict rules that only applied to their specific department.”
complex
“Sociologists argue that individuals from marginalized backgrounds are more likely to feel victimized by institutional policies that appear neutral on the surface but have disparate impacts in practice.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'feel', 'seem', or 'become'.
Pitfall
She was victimized from her peers.
She was victimized by her peers.
The passive-style construction requires the preposition 'by' to identify the agent of the action.
Real-World Examples
“To be clear, these studies are not blaming anyone who has been victimized for drinking.” “When teachers are victimized, they want to leave.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/victimized