Retraumatize

Re-traumatize is a verb that means to cause someone to experience trauma again, or to trigger the recurrence of trauma-related symptoms in a person who has previously endured a traumatic event. The term is used in clinical, social-service, journalistic, and policy contexts. It can refer to direct exposure to a new traumatic event that mirrors the past one, or to reminders—such as discussions, imagery, or procedures—that reactivate distressing memories.

Etymology: formed from the noun trauma plus the suffix -ize, with re- indicating repetition. The related noun retraumatization (also written re-traumatization) refers to the process or outcome.

Usage notes: The expression is typically applied descriptively rather than diagnostically, and it is common in discussions of trauma-informed care and survivor advocacy. It can describe both individuals who re-experience symptoms (intrusive memories, hyperarousal, anxiety) and environments or practices that cause such re-experiencing. Careful, respectful language is advised, especially in sensitive contexts involving survivors.

Examples: "The policy changes could retraumatize survivors of violence." "Graphic footage in the documentary risked retraumatizing viewers who have lived through similar events."

See also: trauma, trauma-informed care, re-traumatization, triggering.

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