Trauma/ˈtraʊmə/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact Refers to severe emotional distress, not just minor troubles. Survivors often face trauma after natural disasters. Pro Tip 2/3Extended Effects Can imply long-term psychological consequences. Her childhood trauma affected her well into adulthood. Pro Tip 3/3Not Physical In this context, trauma refers to emotional pain, not physical injury. Healing from trauma can be harder than healing from physical injuries.