traumatic
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traumatic
In psychology, an experience that causes an emotional injury (trauma); highly stressful, shocking, or disturbing.
Der Unfall war für alle Beteiligten ein traumatisches Erlebnis.
The accident was a traumatic experience for everyone involved.
The adjective 'traumatisch' (traumatic) is derived from the noun 'das Trauma' (trauma), which means an emotional or physical injury. The ending '-isch' is typical for adjectives formed from nouns.
Viele Soldaten leiden nach ihrem Einsatz an einem Trauma.
Many soldiers suffer from trauma after their deployment.
You can recognize the meaning from the noun that 'traumatisch' (traumatic) describes. Words like 'Erlebnis' (experience), 'Erfahrung' (experience), or 'Ereignis' (event) point to the psychological meaning. Medical terms like 'Verletzung' (injury) or 'Schock' (shock) point to the physical meaning.
Die Flucht aus ihrer Heimat war eine traumatische Erfahrung.
Fleeing her homeland was a traumatic experience.
In the psychological meaning, 'traumatisch' (traumatic) is often combined with nouns that describe an event or a period of time. Common combinations are 'traumatisches Erlebnis' (traumatic experience), 'traumatische Erfahrung' (traumatic experience), or 'traumatische Kindheit' (traumatic childhood).
Er spricht nur selten über die traumatischen Ereignisse seiner Vergangenheit.
He rarely talks about the traumatic events of his past.
The meaning that refers to physical injuries is used mainly in medical terminology. It describes wounds caused by external force.
Nach dem Sturz wurde ein traumatisches Schädel-Hirn-Trauma festgestellt.
After the fall, a traumatic brain injury was diagnosed.
shocking
'schockierend' and 'traumatisch' can both have to do with very distressing experiences. 'schockierend' mainly describes the strong reaction to something frightening or outrageous. 'traumatisch' is more specific and stronger: it refers to an experience that causes emotional injury and can remain distressing for a long time. That is why 'traumatisch' is especially appropriate for accidents, violence, war, or other severe experiences. 'schockierend' can also fit a single piece of news or statement without it resulting in trauma.
Für viele Menschen war die Flucht aus dem Kriegsgebiet traumatisch.
For many people, fleeing the war zone was traumatic.
Wir hörten eine schockierende Nachricht im Radio.
We heard some shocking news on the radio.