Definition of stigma
stigmata
play play \stig-ˈmä-tə, ˈstig-mə-tə\ orstigmas
1a archaic : a scar left by a hot iron : brandb : a mark of shame or discredit : stain bore the stigma of cowardicec : an identifying mark or characteristic; specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease
2a stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasyb : petechia
3a : a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animalb : the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate — see flower illustration
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Examples of stigma in a Sentence
There's a social stigma attached to receiving welfare.
the stigma of slavery remained long after it had been abolished
Recent Examples of stigma from the Web
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So Grether-Sweeney applauds Sexton's effort to erase the debt and the stigma for kids in the district right now.
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The cases are messy and emotionally charged, littered with unthinkable and unspeakable acts and filled with legal minefields and life-changing stigmas, guilty or not.
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She was inspired to educate others about individuals with disabilities after witnessing social stigma towards her aunt, who has a developmental disability.
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Prince William discussed the importance of family as part of the ongoing Heads Together campaign, an effort to end the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
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The mental health campaign spearheaded by Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry launched last year with a goal of ending the stigma around mental illness.
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The judgment and stigma that single mothers face in many countries are taken to another level in Japan, a homogeneous society where those who do not conform often try to hide their situations — even from their friends and wider family.
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European and South American men have been wearing the suit without stigma for years.
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The Overman doesn't want to overcome death, but rather, the stigma of death.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stigma'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
In Greek and Latin, a stigma was a mark or brand, especially one that marked a slave, so a stigma marked a person as inferior. When the plural form stigmata is used, it usually refers to the nail wounds on Christ's hands and feet, wounds which have sometimes reappeared on the hands or feet of later worshippers such as St. Francis. When stigma began to be used in English, it usually meant the kind of mark or stain you can't actually see. So today we hear about the stigma of homelessness, the stigma of overweight, and the stigma of mental illness. People may be so afraid of being stigmatized for losing a job that they'll put on their office clothes and drive out their driveways every weekday morning so that the neighbors won't know.
Origin and Etymology of stigma
Latin stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, from Greek, from stizein to tattoo — more at stick
First Known Use: circa 1593
Other Botany Terms
STIGMA Defined for English Language Learners
stigma
playDefinition of stigma for English Language Learners
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: a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something
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botany : the top part in the center of a flower which receives the pollen
STIGMA Defined for Kids
stigma
playDefinition of stigma for Students
stigmata
\stig-ˈmä-tə, ˈstig-mə-tə\ orstigmas
1 : a mark of disgrace or dishonor
2 : the upper part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains
Medical Dictionary
stigma
playMedical Definition of stigma
stigmata
\stig-ˈmät-ə, ˈstig-mət-ə\play play orstigmas
1: an identifying mark or characteristic; specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease the stigmata of syphilis
2: petechia
3: a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal
Learn More about stigma
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See words that rhyme with stigma Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for stigma Spanish Central: Translation of stigma Nglish: Translation of stigma for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of stigma for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma
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