Word

trauma

noun B2

UK /ˈtɹɔː.mə/

US /ˈtɹɔ.mə/

Meanings

noun

a deeply upsetting or frightening experience that causes lasting emotional or psychological harm

noun

a serious physical injury, especially one caused suddenly and needing medical attention

Definition

Trauma is a serious physical injury or a deeply distressing experience that can have lasting effects.

Trauma can mean a severe injury to the body, especially one that needs medical treatment. It can also mean an event or experience that is extremely frightening or upsetting and continues to affect a person’s emotions and behavior. People may react to trauma in different ways, such as feeling anxious, numb, or easily startled. Support and treatment can help recovery.

Examples

After the accident, she struggled with trauma for years.
The doctor specializes in trauma cases from car crashes.
Talking to a therapist helped him process the trauma.
The child showed signs of trauma after the storm.
The team treated both physical trauma and shock.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes use trauma to mean ordinary stress or a minor problem, but it usually refers to something severe and deeply distressing or a serious injury.