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
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.
In classic slasher fashion, the protagonist then walks out of the house alive, traumatized, but victorious. Jane Lacroix, People.com, 24 May 2025 His said his dog was found locked in a bathroom, clearly traumatized by something. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025 The accident in the second film that involves a logging truck and a busy road traumatized a generation of drivers. Kellina Moore, New York Times, 17 May 2025 The Palestinian civilians of Gaza, of course, are much more exhausted and traumatized. Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 9 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traumatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traumatize. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!