noun

victimization

vik-tim-uh-ZAY-shun/ˌvɪktɪməˈzeɪʃn/

The act of harming or exploiting someone, or the condition of being treated this way.

The forceful handbag theft shows victimization through coercion and intimidation.

An older woman forcibly takes a younger woman's handbag while gripping her wrist; the younger woman recoils and tries to retain the bag.

Etymology

victimEnglishperson harmed or unfairly treated

+izEnglishmake into

+ationEnglishaction or state

The pieces describe making someone a victim, then name that action or the resulting state. Victimize also developed the sense “cheat or swindle,” connecting the noun specifically with exploitation.

In context

THIRTEEN17:43

their response in communities to homelessness being one of victimization, villainizing people for their experience with homelessness.

Homelessness Experts and Human Rights Advocates Discuss Homelessness and Community

More examples

The survey asks residents about their experiences of criminal victimization.
She reports years of victimization by her supervisor.
Support groups help people cope with the effects of victimization.

Forms

victimization

victimize verb — To harm, exploit, or treat someone unfairly.

victim noun — Someone harmed, exploited, or treated unfairly.

Similar words

abuse: Emphasizes cruel or harmful treatment, often repeated over time.
exploitation: Emphasizes taking unfair advantage of someone for personal gain.
mistreatment: Refers broadly to treating someone badly, without specifying exploitation.