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 Leading Democrats press an odd response to campus uprisings across the nation: dismiss and stigmatize the persisting tide of students pleading for peace in the Middle East. Bruce Fuller, Orange County Register, 12 May 2024 The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study found that characters with mental health conditions were less likely to be shown as stigmatized and more likely to be shown getting help. Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for stigmatize 

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 29 May. 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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