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.
King has been hardened by years on the streets and Etna seems traumatized having endured mass violence, left an isolated refugee after nearly all the humans and dogs in his unit perish. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Montanez wasn’t injured, but Cervantes said her 63-year-old mother was left traumatized after her narrow escape outside Dollar Tree. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Aug. 2026 Sun Country Airlines responds to allegations Price said her team has been traumatized by the incident, and some players do not want to fly with the airline again. — Tara Lynch, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 Aisha’s father, Mohammed Kazi, said the family is traumatized, although no one was hurt in the incident. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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