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

Two years before the second murder, Pelzer started dating Katie Long, who spoke about the traumatizing ordeal in Worst Ex Ever. —Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026

Meanwhile, homelessness and housing insecurity are devastating and traumatizing our community members. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026

Carine Mbizi, Andre’s mother, said being released without her daughter has further traumatized her. —Daniella Silva, NBC news, 7 May 2026

One tenant, who asked only to be identified by her first name, Lilian, described the situation as traumatizing. —Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 6 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for traumatize

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

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-