traumatize

verb

trau·​ma·​tize ˈtrȯ-mə-ˌtīz 

also

ˈtrau̇- 

traumatized; traumatizing

transitive verb

: to inflict a trauma upon

traumatization

ˌtrȯ-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

also

ˌtrau̇- 

noun

Examples of traumatize in a Sentence

He was traumatized by the experience.

Recent Examples on the Web

McNeil said the ordeal left him traumatized, with a brain injury, a broken tooth and several stiches in his lip. —Jeff Martin, Sun Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2025

Going to the doctor is a tedious experience at best—and a traumatizing one at worst—so unpleasant that many people avoid it altogether, until an emergency or crisis occurs. —Shimite Obialo, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

Those poor traumatized girls only rated the Miami Herald’s scrutiny when the Trump brand was attached. —Debra J. Saunders, Oc Register, 10 July 2025

Harrison is traumatized, unable to live with the guilt and the nightmares he’s been having. —Nick Caruso, TVLine, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for traumatize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

traumatize

verb

trau·​ma·​tize ˈtrau̇-mə-ˌtīz 

ˈtrȯ-

traumatized; traumatizing

: to inflict trauma upon

was traumatized by the accident

Medical Definition

traumatize

transitive verb

trau·​ma·​tize

variants also British traumatise

-ˌtīz 

traumatized also British traumatised; traumatizing also British traumatising

: to inflict a trauma upon

traumatized tissues

children traumatized by physical abuse

traumatization noun

also British traumatisation

ˌtrȯ-mət-ə-ˈzā-shən  ˌtrau̇-