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
Over the last five years, the search term "trauma bonding" has increased steadily in Google searches.
From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2023
Horn said that, although she does not recommend trauma bonding, it was a need for this specific film, because the actors established trust through their shared experiences.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 29, 2022
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
