trauma

Everyday

1. A very upsetting or frightening experience that can hurt someone's mind and feelings for a long time. tree →
2. (medicine) A serious injury to the body, like from an accident. tree →
3. (informal) Something upsetting, sometimes said jokingly about a small problem. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons pupils learn that people who go through trauma (accidents, disasters, war) may need help and kindness, and that talking to trusted adults helps. In hospitals, the «trauma unit» treats serious injuries. In casual talk people may say «the trauma of losing my phone» as a joke. Phrases: «emotional trauma», «head trauma», «trauma unit», «suffer trauma».

Examples

• The children needed support after the trauma of the flood. tree →
• He was taken to the trauma unit after the car crash. tree →
• Talking to a counsellor can help with trauma. tree →
• The doctor checked for head trauma. tree →
• (informal) Getting a haircut was a trauma for my little brother. tree →
• Animals can also feel trauma after being treated badly. tree →

Note

Adjective: «traumatic» (very upsetting). Verb: «traumatise» (US «traumatize»). Pronounced «TRAW-ma» (UK) or «TROW-ma» (US). The joking use can upset people who have suffered real trauma, so use it carefully.