Type of Word: Noun

Pronunciation:

• /ˈvɪktɪmɪz(ə)m/ (VICK-tim-izm)

Etymology: The noun “victimism” combines “victim,” referring to one who suffers harm, with the suffix “-ism,” denoting a state or condition. It emerged in the English language to describe the quality, state, or mentality of being a victim.

Meaning & Use: Victimism refers to the quality, state, or fact of being a victim, particularly in terms of adopting a victim’s attitude or mentality. It often conveys a sense of helplessness in the face of adversity or misfortune, emphasizing a perceived lack of agency or control over one’s circumstances.

Origin: The term “victimism” began appearing in written English in the mid-19th century, gaining broader usage in the late 20th century as discussions around victimhood and empowerment evolved.

Examples in Context:

• “She refused to succumb to victimism, choosing instead to confront challenges head-on.”
• “The article criticized the culture of victimism perpetuated by certain media outlets.”

Synonyms: Victim mentality, victimization, self-pity, fatalism, defeatism.

Related Words: Adversity, suffering, adversity, resilience, empowerment.

Quotations:

• “It now appears that the county is likely to have a larger dose of victimism from this fruitful and often repeated source of prosecution.” — Berrow’s Worcester Journal, 1844
• “Victimism is a disease that blights our best-intended social programs… One of the key weaknesses in our efforts to combat drug abuse..is our inclination to see drug abusers (and to encourage drug abusers to see themselves) primarily as victims.” — Washington Post, 1976
• “Avoid victimism and anyone who indulges in it. People who fail at being positive—and dwell morbidly on their last demotion or downsizing, for example—easily fall into..the mind-set of victimism and culture of blame.” — R. Veit, 2014

Conclusion: “Victimism” encapsulates the state or mentality of perceiving oneself or others as victims, often accompanied by a sense of powerlessness or unfair treatment. Its historical usage reflects evolving societal attitudes towards victimhood and empowerment, highlighting both its critique and acknowledgment in various contexts, from social discourse to personal psychology.