stigmatize

verb

stig·​ma·​tize ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce stigmatize (audio)
stigmatized; stigmatizing; stigmatizes

transitive verb

1
a
: to describe or regard (something, such as a characteristic or group of people) in a way that shows strong disapproval
"… Academic ableism accentuates ability and stigmatizes any weakness. …"Michele Cooke
The campaign strives to educate individuals and communities about mental illness to the point where they understand it well enough not to stigmatize it, which is similar to what's happened with physical illnesses over time.MacKenzie Tastan
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use problems are considered diseases like any other, but are stigmatized as moral failure by many.Marcelo Campos
b
archaic : brand
2
: to mark with stigmata
stigmatization noun

Examples of stigmatize in a Sentence

a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals
Recent Examples on the Web Flu-ification also threatens to further stigmatize long COVID. Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 28 Feb. 2024 Choosing the best treatment Experts discouraged stigmatizing the need for, or use of, the medications. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 26 Feb. 2024 A lot of people stigmatize without realizing who those folks are. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 25 Feb. 2024 This acceptance is reflective of a broader societal shift where divorce is no longer stigmatized but seen as a viable option for those in unhappy or abusive marriages. Mark Travers, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Even Major Sports Leagues Are Embracing Cannabinoids The transformation of cannabinoids from stigmatized substances to cutting-edge innovations is not confined to the world of medicine. Calvin Rasode, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2024 The representatives acknowledged that a skeptical culture still exists that stigmatizes or punishes those who make claims of seeing unexplainable objects whizzing through the air. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 11 Jan. 2024 Dissociative identity disorder is distressing and stigmatized. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2023 The things that are stigmatized or shrouded in silence yet experienced by women all around the world. Lisa Deaderick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stigmatize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of stigmatize was in 1585

Dictionary Entries Near stigmatize

Cite this Entry

“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigmatize. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

stigmatize

verb
stig·​ma·​tize ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce stigmatize (audio)
stigmatized; stigmatizing
: to mark with a stigma
especially : to describe or identify as disgraceful
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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