Traumatic: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to an experience that causes severe emotional or psychological harm, often with long-lasting effects. It's often associated with life-altering events like accidents, abuse, or significant loss.

• The car accident was a traumatic event for the entire family.
• Soldiers often face traumatic experiences during wartime.

This term is suitable for describing situations that cause significant anxiety, worry, or sorrow, but may not necessarily have long-lasting effects. It can be used in everyday scenarios as well as more serious ones.

• Receiving the news about the job layoff was distressing.
• The family's financial problems have been extremely distressing for them.

Use this word for situations that cause mild to moderate emotional pain or disappointment. It's typically less intense than 'traumatic' or 'distressing'.

• The argument with her friend was very upsetting.
• It was upsetting to hear that the event was cancelled.

This word fits when referring to something that causes discomfort, unease, or agitation. It's often used for things that are shocking or morally troubling.

• The documentary on animal cruelty was deeply disturbing.
• She found the horror movie too disturbing to finish watching.

Use when referring to experiences or events that cause deep emotional distress or psychological impact.

• The accident was a traumatic experience for the young boy.
• She found it traumatic to talk about her past.

Used in more formal contexts to indicate something that causes injury or damage, usually physical but can also be applied to reputations and rights.

• The fall had injurious consequences for his spine.
• Injurious gossip can ruin lives.

Appropriate when discussing something that has the potential to cause harm or injury, usually physical or health-related, but also environmental or societal.

• Smoking is harmful to your health.
• Harmful chemicals were found in the water supply.

Applied to describe effects that cause harm, deterioration, or adverse outcomes, often physically or to reputations and relationships.

• The scandal had a damaging effect on his career.
• Pollution is damaging the environment.