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traumatize

American  
[trou-muh-tahyz, traw-] / ˈtraʊ məˌtaɪz, ˈtrɔ- /
especially British, traumatise

verb (used with object)

traumatized, traumatizing
  1. Pathology. to injure (tissues) by force or by thermal, chemical, etc., agents.

  2. Psychiatry. to cause a trauma in (the mind).

    to be traumatized by a childhood experience.


traumatize British  
/ ˈtrɔːməˌtaɪz /

verb

  1. (tr) to wound or injure (the body)

  2. to subject or be subjected to mental trauma

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • traumatization noun
  • untraumatized adjective

Etymology

Origin of traumatize

First recorded in 1900–05, traumatize is from the Greek word traumatízein to wound. See traumatic, -ize

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.

“I’m the only one whose brain isn’t traumatized,” Katherine said, looking at Chip, who just now seemed to be putting everything together.

From Literature

An important study from Australia found that in the last few decades we have really lowered the threshold to what is labeled harmful, abusive, traumatizing and neglectful behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 64-year-old premier has expensive promises to keep to an electorate traumatized by the first inflation in decades.

From Barron's

The 64-year-old premier has expensive promises to keep to an electorate traumatized by the first inflation in decades.

From Barron's

District Judge Fred Biery said continued detention was unjustified and criticized federal enforcement policies, including the use of deportation quotas that he said “traumatize children.”

From Salon