traumatic

[ truh-mat-ik, traw-, trou- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or produced by a trauma or wound.
2. adapted to the cure of wounds.
3. psychologically painful.

Other Words From

• trau·mati·cal·ly adverb
• untrau·matic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of traumatic¹

First recorded in 1650–60; from Late Latin traumaticus, from Greek traumatikós “pertaining to wounds,” from traumat- (stem of traûma trauma ) + -ikos -ic

Example Sentences

This was two years after an investigation revealed he had subjected boys in the UK, many of whom he had met at Christian holiday camps run by a charity he chaired that was linked to the Church, to traumatic physical, psychological and sexual abuse.

From BBC

Some people say they actively seek out these establishments when arranging dates or nights out, viewing the scheme as a safety net after undergoing traumatic experiences in the past.

From BBC

Those who came forward say they want to take what has been a deeply traumatic experience and channel it into something positive - namely warning other women about McDonald before he is released.

From BBC

Discharge review boards have also been approving upgrades for service members pushed out less than honorably who suffered conditions such as post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

From Los Angeles Times

Recalling his own experience of abuse at school, Mr Fraser said such an experience was "very traumatic and stays with you".

From BBC

Related Words

• awful
• chilling
• disquieting
• dreadful
• eerie
• ghastly
• grim
• grisly
• hair-raising
• hellish
• horrible
• horrid
• horrifying
• macabre
• scary
• spooky
• terrible
• terrifying