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
ˌtrȯ-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
also
ˌtrau̇- How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
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.
Most said their lives had been irreversibly impacted, they were traumatized and spent years in therapy. — Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2026 The crazy part is, the traumatizing things are what made my humor. — Mike Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Some, like Coogan, end up traumatized by their time in the industry. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026 Ukraine’s war trauma There is no question that the Ukrainian population has been deeply traumatized by the escalation of the war since 2022. — Gerard Toal, The Conversation, 27 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for traumatize

See All Rhymes for traumatize

Browse Nearby Words

traumatization
traumatize
traumatized
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Traumatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/traumatize. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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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
-ˌtīz How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
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
ˌtrȯ-mət-ə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce traumatize (audio) ˌtrau̇- How to pronounce traumatize (audio)
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