Skip to main content
self-victimization

self-victimization

8.6
A habit of seeing yourself as helpless and blaming others for problems
  • noun
  • /sɛlfˌvɪk.tɪ.mɪˈzeɪ.ʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : autovictimización
  • His constant self-victimization prevents him from moving forward.

Examples

  • Her pattern of self-victimization made it difficult for her to take responsibility for her actions.

  • Therapists often work with clients to help them overcome self-victimization and develop resilience.

  • Constant self-victimization can damage relationships and prevent personal progress.

  • Many people engage in self-victimization during difficult times.

  • Constant self-victimization can damage relationships and prevent personal progress.

  • Her pattern of self-victimization made it difficult for her to take responsibility for her actions.

  • Therapists often work with clients to help them overcome self-victimization and develop resilience.

Synonyms

victimhood
vsself-victimization
9 6.6

Thinking or acting as if someone has hurt you and feeling powerless

is a repeated habit that creates powerlessness and stops personal growth

Antonyms

49 3.9

The process of becoming stronger, more confident, and able to make choices

How Victimized

to play the victim card
  • Offensive
1 8.5
self-victimization
  • Specialized
8.6
self-pity
36 5.2
aggrieved
14 7.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

self-victimization = victimization (semi-transparent) = self + victim + ization

The form is clearly self + victimization, but the meaning is psychological and metaphorical rather than a fully literal reflexive action.

Etymology

Self-victimization joins self 'oneself' and victim 'someone who suffers', with -ization 'the act of'. It names the habit of seeing or making yourself a victim in your own mind, which is why it leads to feeling powerless and stopping personal growth.