Traumatic/trəˈmætɪk/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact Used when something negatively affects someone's feelings deeply, more than just upsetting. Hearing the news was traumatic. Pro Tip 2/3Past Events Often relates to bad past events that still affect someone's emotions in the present. She's dealing with traumatic memories. Pro Tip 3/3Intensity Describes experiences that are so severe, they can lead to lasting emotional effects. Survivors face traumatic stress after the disaster.