stigmatize

verb

stig·​ma·​tize ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 

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

ˌstig-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of stigmatize in a Sentence

a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals

Recent Examples on the Web

When we are stigmatized or criminalized simply for being ourselves, the result is profound psychological harm. —Pamuela A Halliwell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Nov. 2025

In 2021, the actress and comedian opened up further about her addiction and the importance of de-stigmatizing the topic. —Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 24 Nov. 2025

From taboo to televised What was once stigmatized has become more normalized through reality TV. —Julia Meszaros, The Conversation, 21 Nov. 2025

None has been stigmatized as too sexy (Anora in 2024) or too teary (CODA in 2021). —Peter Bart, Deadline, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for stigmatize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

stigmatize

verb

stig·​ma·​tize ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 

stigmatized; stigmatizing

: to mark with a stigma

especially : to describe or identify as disgraceful