Traumatized: meaning, definitions and examples

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traumatized

 

[ ˈtrɔːmətaɪz ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

Emotionally shocked or distressed as a result of an upsetting experience or event.

Synonyms

distressed, disturbed, shocked, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traumatized

This word is used when someone has experienced a deeply disturbing or disturbing event that has a long-lasting psychological impact.

  • He was traumatized by the accident and couldn't sleep for weeks
distressed

Use this when someone is extremely worried or upset about something. It is less severe than 'traumatized' and doesn't necessarily imply lasting damage.

  • She was distressed to hear about her friend's illness
shocked

This word is used when someone is suddenly and extremely surprised, usually due to something unpleasant or unexpected. The effect is usually more immediate and short-term.

  • She was shocked to find out she had won the lottery
disturbed

This word is used when someone is emotionally or mentally unsettled, often due to something unsettling or inappropriate. It can imply a negative impact but not necessarily long-term trauma.

  • He was disturbed by the violent scene in the movie
upset

Use this when someone is mildly disturbed, angry, or sad. It is the least severe of all the given options and can be about almost any unpleasant situation.

  • He was upset because he lost his wallet

Examples of usage

  • She was traumatized by the sudden loss of her best friend.
  • The survivors of the accident were deeply traumatized by the experience.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Cause (someone) to experience psychological trauma.

Synonyms

distress, disturb, shock, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
traumatized

Used when someone has experienced severe psychological harm due to a deeply distressing or disturbing event, often with long-lasting effects.

  • She was traumatized by the accident and has trouble sleeping ever since
distress

Commonly used to describe a state of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain. It can refer to both emotional and physical suffering.

  • The news of the disaster caused her great distress
  • He was in distress after losing his job
shock

Used when something unexpected and usually negative has caused someone to feel a sudden and intense emotional reaction.

  • He was in shock after hearing about the sudden death of his friend
  • The unexpected announcement shocked everyone at the meeting
disturb

Often used when describing something that causes worry, anxiety, or interruption. It can also imply mild or moderate emotional discomfort.

  • The loud noises disturbed her sleep
  • The violent scene in the movie disturbed many viewers
upset

Typically used to describe a state of being unhappy, worried, or annoyed. It is weaker than words like 'traumatized' or 'distress' and often temporary.

  • She was upset about failing the exam
  • The argument with her friend left her upset for the rest of the day

Examples of usage

  • The violent attack traumatized the victim for years to come.
  • The war traumatized many soldiers who returned home.

Translations

Translations of the word "traumatized" in other languages:

🇵🇹 traumatizado

🇮🇳 आघातग्रस्त

🇩🇪 traumatisiert

🇮🇩 tertrauma

🇺🇦 травмований

🇵🇱 traumatyzowany

🇯🇵 トラウマを受けた

🇫🇷 traumatisé

🇪🇸 traumatizado

🇹🇷 travmatize

🇰🇷 트라우마를 입은

🇸🇦 مصاب بصدمة

🇨🇿 traumatizovaný

🇸🇰 traumatizovaný

🇨🇳 创伤后

🇸🇮 travmatiziran

🇮🇸 áfallinn

🇰🇿 жарақат алған

🇬🇪 ტრავმირებული

🇦🇿 travma almış

🇲🇽 traumatizado

Etymology

The word 'traumatized' is derived from the noun 'trauma', which comes from the Greek word 'trauma' meaning 'wound' or 'injury'. The concept of psychological trauma and being traumatized has been recognized and studied extensively in the fields of psychology and psychiatry, particularly in relation to the impact of distressing events on mental health.

See also: trauma, traumatic.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,528, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.