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

Yet, despite its prevalence, the topic remains highly stigmatized, often viewed through the lens of cultural expectations and societal norms that place immense pressure on men to live up to traditional concepts of masculinity. —Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

One small but meaningful way this has already been addressed is its name: monkeypox was renamed in 2022 to mitigate against racist and stigmatizing language. —Charles Ebikeme, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024

In many traditional corporate environments, failure is stigmatized, and employees are afraid to take risks for fear of punishment. —Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024

My hope is that the show can be a catalyst to others living in that way and seeing it as something to celebrate and to not stigmatize. —Jessica Radloff, Glamour, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

stigmatize

verb

stig·​ma·​tize ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 

stigmatized; stigmatizing

: to mark with a stigma

especially : to describe or identify as disgraceful