traumatic incident

USAGE SUMMARY

"traumatic incident" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a situation or event that is particularly difficult to cope with, often because it has caused physical or emotional harm. For example: "The survivors of the traumatic incident were taken to the hospital for medical treatment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have traumatic incident teams.

The Washington Post

He talks of one particularly traumatic incident.

The Guardian

"This is an enormously traumatic incident," he said.

Independent

"It's difficult to publicly relive this traumatic incident, correct?

The New York Times

The traumatic incident sat in the soul like a rock in the stomach, indigestible.

The New York Times - Books

He sees himself as a child, reliving the traumatic incident that set off his mental illness.

The New York Times

8 P.M. (Fox) THE SIMPSONS Homer's bed-wetting problem gets worse after a traumatic incident.

The New York Times

People say they can remember a traumatic incident like it was yesterday.

The New York Times

He mentioned a traumatic incident in which he had seen scores of comrades mowed down by regime soldiers outside Aleppo.

The New Yorker

Approximately 1 year after the traumatic incident, autotransplantation with the help of 3D planning and rapid prototyping was performed.

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

"What good does it do anybody?" he says wearily, after a scarily precise vision of a traumatic incident in a friend's past.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a "traumatic incident", be mindful of the audience and the potential impact of your words. Use sensitive and respectful language, avoiding graphic details that could retraumatize individuals.

Common error

Avoid minimizing the severity of a "traumatic incident" by using vague language or downplaying its effects. Acknowledge the potential long-term consequences for those involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traumatic incident" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "traumatic" modifies the noun "incident". According to Ludwig AI, this expression is suitable for referring to events that are particularly challenging to cope with because of the emotional or physical harm caused.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

23%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "traumatic incident" is a commonly used and grammatically correct term that describes an event causing significant emotional and psychological distress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately refers to situations that are challenging to cope with due to the emotional or physical harm caused. Analysis of the data reveals that it's frequently employed in "News & Media" and "Science", highlighting its relevance across various fields. When writing about or discussing a "traumatic incident", sensitivity and respect are paramount. While the phrase is versatile and widely understood, context-specific alternatives like "distressing event" or "tragic event" may sometimes be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

severe trauma

Emphasizes the depth and lasting impact of the trauma.

tragic event

Highlights the sadness, loss and sorrow associated with the incident.

distressing event

Focuses on the emotional impact of the event, emphasizing its upsetting nature.

painful ordeal

Highlights the suffering and difficulty endured during the event.

shocking experience

Highlights the surprise and emotional jolt associated with the event.

calamitous event

Emphasizes the disastrous and destructive nature of the incident.

upsetting occurrence

Focuses on the distressing and emotionally unsettling nature of the event.

critical episode

Focuses on the importance and potential turning point nature of the event.

difficult experience

A more general way to define a traumatic incident. It focuses on the challenges and hardships involved.

adverse experience

A more general term, indicating a negative or unfavorable event.

FAQs

How can I use "traumatic incident" in a sentence?

You can use "traumatic incident" to describe a specific event that caused significant emotional or psychological distress, such as "The survivors are still coping with the aftermath of the traumatic incident".

What are some synonyms for "traumatic incident"?

Alternatives to "traumatic incident" include "distressing event", "severe trauma", or "tragic event". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "traumatic incident" in formal writing?

Yes, "traumatic incident" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in contexts such as news reports, academic papers, or professional reports. However, consider the audience and adjust the tone accordingly.

What is the difference between "traumatic incident" and "difficult experience"?

While both terms describe negative events, "traumatic incident" implies a higher level of severity and potential for long-term psychological impact. A "difficult experience" might be challenging or unpleasant, but it doesn't necessarily result in trauma.