traumatize

verb

trau·​ma·​tize ˈtrȯ-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
also
ˈtrau̇- How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
traumatized; traumatizing

transitive verb

: to inflict a trauma upon
traumatization noun

Examples of traumatize in a Sentence

He was traumatized by the experience.
Recent Examples on the Web Kaur’s mother, who found the body, is traumatized, advocates said. Sakshi Venkatraman, NBC News, 24 Oct. 2024 Both were traumatized; both were struggling to return to normalcy. Peter Rubin, Longreads, 15 Oct. 2024 She’s been traumatized and has vowed never to let that happen again. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2024 Browsing message boards and YouTube comments, many people still talk about how traumatizing the show was. Jenelle Riley, Variety, 4 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for traumatize 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'traumatize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traumatize was in 1903

Dictionary Entries Near traumatize

Cite this Entry

“Traumatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traumatize. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

traumatize

verb
trau·​ma·​tize ˈtrau̇-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
ˈtrȯ-
traumatized; traumatizing
: to inflict trauma upon
was traumatized by the accident

Medical Definition

traumatize

transitive verb
trau·​ma·​tize
variants also British traumatise
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

More from Merriam-Webster on traumatize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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