Synonyms for

Trauma

Verb / ˈtrɔ:mʌ / Another word for trauma — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a deeply distressing or disturbing experience

Synonyms & similar words

harm injury psychictrauma hurt shock distress upset pain injury wound hurt sorrow agony anguish grief misery torment torture affliction nightmare disaster calamity crisis catastrophe

Synonyms by register

Formal

affliction distress shock ordeal

Informal

mess nightmare bad experience rough time

Literary

wound scar ravage

Antonyms

calm comfort ease joy happiness peace relief

Common collocations

  • emotional trauma
  • psychological trauma
  • childhood trauma
  • traumatic experience
  • mental trauma
  • physical trauma
  • severe trauma
  • witness trauma

Word family

noun trauma
verb traumatize
adjective traumatic
adverb traumatically

Usage note

Primarily used to describe severe psychological distress resulting from a deeply distressing or disturbing experience. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences.

Example sentences

  1. She experienced trauma after the death of her pet.
  2. The soldier suffered from trauma after serving in the war.
  3. The victim of the robbery had to go through trauma therapy.
  4. The earthquake caused trauma for the survivors.
  5. The pandemic has caused trauma for many people.

Quotes

  • Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When it is ignored or invalidated the silent screams continue internally heard only by the one held captive. - Danielle Bernock
  • Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence. - Peter A. Levine
  • Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence. - Peter A. Levine

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