trauma bond
noun
an emotional bond that an abuse victim feels toward the person who is abusive to them, particularly when periods of abuse alternate with periods of kindness or affection.
trauma bonding
-
a word derived from
trauma bond.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It might be a little trauma bonding as well…. I think we understand each other on a specific mental and physical level.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 3, 2026
It’s not trauma bonding, but we were trying to comb through something.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2023
Describing a workplace as "trauma bonding" isn't unique to this one TikTok video.
From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2023
You asked a relatively simple question but added several paragraphs about how terrible the work is: gatekeeping abusers, stress-related health crises, catastrophic projects, grudge-holding bosses, and co-worker trauma bonding.
From Slate ● Sep. 26, 2022
“I think trauma bonding is real and it seems like my couples, their wedding parties and their guests are closer than ever after everyone experienced so much loss and devastation,” Ms. Gaikowski said.
From New York Times ● Dec. 15, 2021
