What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trauma
Example
The car accident left her with emotional trauma that took months to heal. [trauma: noun]
Example
The trauma to his head required immediate medical attention. [trauma: noun]
shock
Example
I was in shock when I heard the news of his passing. [shock: noun]
Example
The patient went into shock after the severe allergic reaction. [shock: noun]
Example
The electrician used a shock tester to check the wiring. [shock: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shock is more commonly used than trauma in everyday language. Shock is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while trauma is less common and often used in more formal or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trauma and shock?
While shock can be used in both formal and informal contexts, trauma is typically associated with a more serious and formal tone, often used in medical or psychological contexts.
