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
ˌtrȯ-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
also
ˌtrau̇- How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
noun

Examples of traumatize in a Sentence

He was traumatized by the experience.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Ridley, traumatized by the cancer death of her mother and considered mostly a wastrel by those around her for pursuing a degree in the dread-inducing major of art history, knows a thing or two about the mythology behind these kindly rainbow-spewing creatures. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2025 The arrests have left many people in the Latino-majority county traumatized, attorneys said. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2025 Heavenly wastes no time pouring drinks and asking the real questions—Is Quad traumatized by the trip? — Shelby Stewart, Essence, 3 Mar. 2025 Now, just days later, comes the news of another person traumatized by Spacey’s actions: Guy Pearce. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for traumatize

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of traumatize was in 1903

Rhymes for traumatize

See All Rhymes for traumatize

Browse Nearby Words

traumatize
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Cite this Entry

“Traumatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traumatize. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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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
-ˌtīz How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
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 How to pronounce traumatize (audio) ˌtrau̇- How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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