Does a major character in your story get hurt in an accident? Would you like some guidance on how to describe an injury in a story? The following 10 words and examples of how you can use them in your novel will help.
1. Distressing
Definition
Something that worries or upsets people.
Examples
“His distressing injury only got worse, and his family started fearing for the worst.”
“His injury was distressing, and everyone could clearly see he was in pain.”
How it Adds Description
The word “distressing” can show the worrying effects of something, and therefore can tell your reader how painful or serious an injury is. This is a good way to convey that an audience won’t heal, or just to show the pain the character is suffering. “Distressing” can also be used as foreshadowing, especially if the injury is a significant plot point.
2. Severe
Definition
Something that’s very bad, intense, or undesirable.
Examples
“The injury is severe. You need medical attention as soon as possible, and there’s no question about it.”
“She looked at his severe injury and the blood drained from her cheeks. She’d never forget this image.”
How it Adds Description
“Severe” is a helpful word if you want to describe serious or life-threatening injuries. The adjective is usually reserved for the worst situations; therefore your reader will understand that this could be a life changing moment for the character. This adjective can also work to build suspense or scare the reader.
3. Agonizing
Definition
Something that’s causing great mental or physical pain.
Examples
“Her agonizing injury caused her to lose focus on the world. Suddenly, her sight and hearing were gone. It was just her and the throbbing pain.”
“He had a flashback to the agonizing injury that landed him in this place, and he shook his head to rid himself of the trauma.”
How it Adds Description
Injuries usually cause pain, but if your fictional injury is worse than typical injuries the word “agonizing” will convey its intensity to your readers. “Agonizing” will help your reader understand the level of pain your character is experiencing, and this can cause them to feel pity for them. It may also cause fear, which is ideal if you’re writing a horror novel.
4. Arduous
Definition
Something that involves a lot of effort or is difficult/tiring.
Examples
“His arduous injury caused him to feel weak, but his weary legs continued to carry him along the trail.”
“She bore arduous injuries, yet nothing broke her spirit. You could still hear her laughing from her cell.”
How it Adds Description
If your character is injured, but persevering through the pain, the word “arduous” can show their struggle. “Arduous” emphasizes the difficulty of experiencing the injury, but it also proves your character isn’t letting it stop them. This gives the reader a clear glimpse at their spirit, and the extent of the injury as it’s limiting their physical capabilities.
5. Burdensome
Definition
Something that’s hard to cope or deal with.
Examples
“The burdensome injuries broke her spirit, and she erupted into floods of tears.”
“He couldn’t continue with the burdensome injuries, but they were starting to extinguish his spirit.”
How it Adds Description
“Burdensome” is an adjective that conveys the effect the injury is having on your character. For example, “burdensome” injuries might make day-to-day tasks impossible. From this your reader will understand your character’s struggle, and this can cause them to feel sympathy for their position. Unlike “arduous”, “burdensome” refers to injuries that burden the character whether they’re persevering or not.
6. Minor
Definition
Something small or less serious.
Examples
“It’s a minor injury! There’s no need for you to be crying like that!”
“She looked down at the minor injury and decided to ignore it. Perhaps a band aid could fix it.”
How it Adds Description
While many fictional injuries are significant, they don’t all have to be. The word “minor” is appropriate for any small or non-life-threatening injuries. This makes it clear to your audience that the hurt is only temporary, allowing them relief after any accidents in your plot.
7. Sensitive
Definition
Something that needs to be handled carefully or is easily harmed.
Examples
“Her sensitive injury burned under her cotton blouse. She wished the pain would cease, but it was likely to remain forever.”
“They tried to treat the sensitive injury, but it became inflamed by all medicines.”
How it Adds Description
The word “sensitive” can explain how an injury is sore/tender during the healing period. This can show that a character’s health is fragile or that they need to be extra careful due to the pain. “Sensitive” is a great way to elevate your audience’s understanding of the healing process, especially as this could affect plot points.
8. Irritating
Definition
Something causing tenderness or inflammation.
Examples
“I can’t ignore the irritating injury for any longer!”
“Has that irritating injury healed yet? Or is it still bothering you?”
How it Adds Description
When an injury is lingering and not healing, it might start “irritating” the character. Using the adjective “irritating” gives your reader a clear insight into their physical condition. It can also evoke empathy from the reader, which is a powerful way to enhance their understanding of the character and world they’re in.
9. Intolerable
Definition
Something so extreme or unpleasant that no one can tolerate it.
Examples
“I won’t survive this intolerable injury. I can feel it sucking the life out of me.”
“He looked down at the intolerable injury and winced. It wasn’t healing at all.”
How it Adds Description
The word “intolerable” shows how intensely painful or dangerous an injury is. This adjective can help you convey a character’s desperate situation, and thus evoke sadness or fear from your reader.
10. Hefty
Definition
Something large in size, amount, or weight.
Examples
“Gosh, that’s a hefty injury. Are you okay?”
“He hasn’t experienced a hefty injury before. It’s best he has some rest and alone time.”
How it Adds Description
The word “hefty” describes the large size of an injury. This indicates a clearer mental image of the wound to your reader, and it can also give them information on its danger. “Hefty” describes a significant injury, but it’s a more informal word that can be used for non-life-threatening problems — ideal if you don’t want to instill too much fear into your readers.