Main Entry: trau·ma

Pronunciation: \ˈtrau̇-mə, ˈtrȯ-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural traumas also trau·ma·ta \-mə-tə\

Etymology: Greek traumat-, trauma wound, alteration of trōma; akin to Greek titrōskein to wound, tetrainein to pierce — more at throw

Date: circa 1693

1 a : an injury (as a wound) to living tissue caused by an extrinsic agent b : a disordered psychic or behavioral state resulting from severe mental or emotional stress or physical injury c : an emotional upset <the personal trauma of an executive who is not living up to his own expectations — Karen W. Arenson>
2 : an agent, force, or mechanism that causes trauma

— trau·mat·ic \trə-ˈma-tik, trȯ-, trau̇-\ adjective

— trau·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb