stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 
stigmatized; stigmatizing; stigmatizes
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
Michele CookeThe 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
MacKenzie TastanAlcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use problems are considered diseases like any other, but are stigmatized as moral failure by many.—Marcelo Campos
Marcelo Campos
b
archaic
: brand
2
: to mark with stigmata
Examples of stigmatize in a Sentence
a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals
Recent Examples on the Web
The president’s claims are raising concerns among some people with autism and their loved ones, who say his remarks cast blame on mothers, re-stigmatize those with autism and ignore the support needed for families and individuals dealing with autism.
—Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Not only were mothers stigmatized and ridden with guilt for decades over the claims, but meaningful research into the condition was significantly hindered because of the misinformation.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
This reflects broader sexism in our culture that stigmatizes feminine emotion, including intimacy between mothers and sons.
—Sam Sussman
september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
The new term is not only less stigmatized than UFOs, but is general enough to reflect that many of the objects in question are seen not just in the air, but the water.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
Not only were mothers stigmatized and ridden with guilt for decades over the claims, but meaningful research into the condition was significantly hindered because of the misinformation.
—Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 23 Sep. 2025
This reflects broader sexism in our culture that stigmatizes feminine emotion, including intimacy between mothers and sons.
—Sam Sussman
september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
The new term is not only less stigmatized than UFOs, but is general enough to reflect that many of the objects in question are seen not just in the air, but the water.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigmatize. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz
stigmatized; stigmatizing
: to mark with a stigma
especially
: to describe or identify as disgraceful
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share