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catastrophic stress

an overwhelming reaction to a traumatic event that is beyond the limits of normal life, such as rape, torture, genocide, or severe war-zone experiences.

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Psychology term of the day

March 16th 2025

surrogate

surrogate

n.

1. a person or object that substitutes for the role of an individual who has a significant position in a family or group. See father surrogate; mother surrogate.

2. more generally, any person or entity that substitutes for another.