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
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.
Hirsch said there’s already shame surrounding BV, and categorizing BV as an STI may further stigmatize the condition. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2025 Critics of Trump and Musk hope to discourage and stigmatize purchases of vehicles from Tesla, the world’s most valuable automaker. Rebecca Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2025 Critics of Trump and Musk hope to discourage and stigmatize purchases of Tesla, the electric car company that is the world’s most valuable automaker. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 6 Mar. 2025 Against a public perception that drug use is endemic to homeless camps, service providers and advocates see an exaggerated reaction to open drug use on the street that stigmatizes the majority of homeless people who do not use drugs. Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stigmatize

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of stigmatize was in 1585

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Cite this Entry

“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigmatize. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on stigmatize

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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