HealthJune 30, 2026
victimization
/ˌvɪktɪmaɪˈzeɪʃən/
Definition
The state or experience of being targeted, deceived, and harmed by a scammer.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'victima' (a person or animal sacrificed in religious rituals). The suffix '-ization' was added in modern English to denote the process or state of being subjected to such an act.
In the news
In the article, the term describes the widespread occurrence of scamming across different demographic groups in the U.S. It highlights how being a target results in both financial loss and significant negative impacts on personal well-being.
Scam Victims Report Billions Lost and Harm to Mental Health
Read the full article ↗Gallup News