psychic trauma
1
7.9
- noun
- /ˈsaɪkɪk ˈtrɔːmə/
- Specialized
:
trauma psíquico
- Bartleby's mysterious refusal to work may have begun with the psychic trauma of his job as a post-office clerk sorting undeliverable mail.
Examples
-
Kanter (1976) concluded from his clinical work that Holocaust survivors who were conscious of their ethnic identity and cultural heritage (as factors associated with their religion) tended to be less vulnerable to severe psychic trauma.
Academic text (1996) -
Some careful preparation ahead of the date, as well as for going to the wedding, can assist you in conserving lots of money regarding income, strength, and also in reducing concern, tension, and psychic trauma.
Blog text (21) -
The Production Code provided filmmakers with the parameters through which to present images of physical force or psychic trauma that could, in years of Depression and war alike, emphasize for audiences the cultural negotiations between good, sanctioned actions and criminal or evil ones.
Academic text (2000) -
"In fact, the kind of psychic trauma that would happen were the charges of intentional involvement in 9/11 by the president, vice president, and other high office holders or leaders of our security apparatus ever proved in a court of law would almost certainly open up political space for a serious discussion of the kinds of radical changes I'm suggesting in the direction of our approach to foreign.
Blog text (6) -
After experiencing psychic trauma in her childhood, she sought therapy to help her cope.
-
The documentary explored the lasting effects of psychic trauma on veterans returning from war.
-
Many survivors of natural disasters often face psychic trauma that requires professional support.
Synonyms
304
4.8
A very upsetting experience that hurts your feelings and mind
7
5.6
Long-lasting emotional harm from a very upsetting event
5
5.0
A lasting hurt in your feelings after a very upsetting event
Experiencing lasting emotional harm after frightening or violent events
How Severe
- Specialized
2
4.4
- Specialized
1
7.9
- Specialized
304
4.8
240
3.6
20
1.8
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'psychic' (relating to the mind or mental processes) and 'trauma' (a psychologically damaging event), so the phrase simply denotes trauma affecting the psyche. This is a common clinical/conceptual combination found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Psychic trauma paints the picture of a deep wound inside the mind: psychic means 'mind' and trauma means 'wound'. So it describes a shocking event that hurts someone inside and leaves a scar that lasts a long time.