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 suburban Lakewood and Anaheim, motorists are traumatized by the Haunted Car Wash. Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 These steps enjoy the robust support of a significant majority of Israeli citizens, who are still traumatized by the brutal terrorist attack that Hamas launched on October 7, 2023, which was followed the next day by Hezbollah rocket strikes in Israel’s north. Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2024 If this story is inspiring you to clean the mold off your shower, by all means do — but know that superficial mold won’t traumatize your mind, body and spirit the way toxic mold from leaky buildings will. Melissa Kenny, refinery29.com, 29 Oct. 2024 She was kidnapped but ‘embarrassed’ to feel traumatized. Amy Woodyatt, CNN, 27 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near traumatize

Cite this Entry

“Traumatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traumatize. Accessed 22 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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