noun
victimology
vihk-tih-MO-luhd-zhee
Victimology (noun) means the academic study of crime victims, including why certain people or groups are more likely to be victimized. Example: “Her thesis in victimology examined patterns among repeat burglary victims.”
noun
1
The academic study of crime victims, including why certain people or groups are more likely to be victimized.
"Her thesis in victimology examined patterns among repeat burglary victims."
2
(informal, often critical) A tendency to see oneself primarily as a victim, especially in a self-pitying or excessive way.
"The whole thing has rotted into a festival of bad faith and victimology, those twin markers of the Trump-Twitter Decade: rather an irony for a show organized under the sign of friendship."
— Jason Farago, The World’s Most Prestigious Art Exhibition Is Over. Maybe Forever (2022)
"His critics accused him of indulging in victimology rather than taking responsibility."
How to use victimology
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the academic field studying crime victims, or, informally, an excessive focus on seeing oneself as a victim.
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Word forms
- Plural
- victimologies
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Etymology
From French victimologie, formed from victim plus -ology, "the study of."
Rhymes for victimology
See all rhymes for victimology →Frequently asked questions
What does “victimology” mean?
The word “victimology” means the academic study of crime victims, including why certain people or groups are more likely to be victimized. In plain terms, either the academic field studying crime victims, or, informally, an excessive focus on seeing oneself as a victim.
How do you pronounce “victimology”?
“Victimology” is pronounced vihk-tih-MO-luhd-zhee (/ˌvɪktɪˈmɒləd͡ʒi/ in IPA).
How do you use “victimology” in a sentence?
Here is “victimology” used in a sentence: “Her thesis in victimology examined patterns among repeat burglary victims.”
What part of speech is “victimology”?
“Victimology” is a noun.
Where does the word “victimology” come from?
The word “victimology” comes from French. From French victimologie, formed from victim plus -ology, "the study of.".
How many meanings does “victimology” have?
“Victimology” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the academic study of crime victims, including why certain people or groups are more likely to be victimized.
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