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Definition of trauma

trauma

/ˈtrɔː.mə/
trau · ma
Adverb:traumatically
•
Plural:traumas
•
Adjective:traumatic
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trauma Lexical Profile

trauma Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A deeply distressing or disturbing experience, or the lasting emotional and psychological shock resulting from such an event.

Example

"The counseling center provides support for individuals recovering from childhood trauma."

2

In medicine, a severe physical injury or wound to the body caused by an external force or impact.

Example

"The patient was admitted to the emergency department with blunt force trauma to the chest."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for trauma

• Nearby Words

trashman
trashy
trattoria
trauma
traumatic
traumatically
traumatization

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 17th century as a medical term from Ancient Greek 'trauma', meaning 'a wound' or 'a hurt', related to the verb 'titrōskein' ('to wound' or 'to pierce'). The psychological sense of an emotional wound emerged in the late 19th century through early psychiatric studies.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Trauma. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/trauma
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