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stigma

noun
stig·​ma | \ ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio) \
plural stigmas or stigmata\ stig-​ˈmä-​tə How to pronounce stigmata (audio) , ˈstig-​mə-​tə How to pronounce stigmata (audio) \

Definition of stigma

1a : a mark of shame or discredit : stain bore the stigma of cowardice
b plural usually stigmata : an identifying mark or characteristic specifically : a specific diagnostic sign of a disease
2a plural usually stigmas : the usually apical part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains and on which they germinate — see flower illustration
b : a small spot, scar, or opening on a plant or animal
3a stigmata plural : bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy
b : petechia
4 archaic : a scar left by a hot iron : brand
Other Words from stigma Synonyms Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about stigma

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Other Words from stigma

stigmal \ ˈstig-​məl How to pronounce stigmal (audio) \ adjective

Did You Know?

In Greek and Latin, a stigma was a mark or brand, especially one that marked a slave, so a stigma marked a person as inferior. When the plural form stigmata is used, it usually refers to the nail wounds on Christ's hands and feet, wounds which have sometimes reappeared on the hands or feet of later worshippers such as St. Francis. When stigma began to be used in English, it usually meant the kind of mark or stain you can't actually see. So today we hear about the stigma of homelessness, the stigma of overweight, and the stigma of mental illness. People may be so afraid of being stigmatized for losing a job that they'll put on their office clothes and drive out their driveways every weekday morning so that the neighbors won't know.

Examples of stigma in a Sentence

There's a social stigma attached to receiving welfare. the stigma of slavery remained long after it had been abolished

Recent Examples on the Web

 The victims in his cases are identified only by their initials because of the stigma and shame. — NBC News, "Hundreds filed lawsuits under Child Victims Act in New York," 14 Aug. 2019 There's a lot of confusion and stigma surrounding birth control, from which method works best to what pills may (or may not) do to your body. — Brittany Risher, Woman's Day, "Can You Still Get Pregnant During Your Period?," 1 Aug. 2019 Reducing stigma and shame Despite data showing that one in five American adults have a mental health condition — which can range from post-traumatic stress or chronic anxiety to bipolar disorder — the mentally ill live with a label of abnormal. — John Schmid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee County wants to retool the way it helps people suffering from a mental health crisis. Consensus is lacking.," 24 July 2019 Instead, help educate others who still (wrongly) believe the skin condition is contagious in order to help end the stigma. — Lambeth Hochwald, Health.com, "Is Psoriasis Contagious? What Dermatologists Have to Say," 19 July 2019 Toward the end of his 17-year NBA tenure, which came to a close in 2014, the stigma surrounding mental health began to dissipate. — Greg Levinsky, Detroit Free Press, "How the NBA is taking strides in promoting mental health awareness," 24 June 2019 The same survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality underscored the impact of stigma and discrimination on the health of people who identify as transgender. — CNN, "To be herself, she needs to change her body. But first, comes the battle with insurers," 31 May 2018 In Jillian Bauer-Reese’s classroom, student journalists are thinking intently about navigating a crisis worsened by stigma and shame. — Mike Newall, Philly.com, "Temple students' class project on addiction teaches us all | Mike Newall," 16 May 2018 Interest in plastic surgery is at an all-time high, but stigma and misinformation still surround the industry and its patients. — Kaitlin Clark, Allure, "Everything You Need to Know About Liposuction Surgery," 30 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'stigma.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of stigma

circa 1593, in the meaning defined at sense 4

History and Etymology for stigma

Latin stigmat-, stigma mark, brand, from Greek, from stizein to tattoo — more at stick

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More Definitions for stigma

stigma

noun
How to pronounce stigma (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of stigma

: a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something
botany : the top part in the center of a flower which receives the pollen

See the full definition for stigma in the English Language Learners Dictionary

stigma

noun
stig·​ma | \ ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio) \
plural stigmata\ stig-​ˈmä-​tə , ˈstig-​mə-​tə \ or stigmas

Kids Definition of stigma

1 : a mark of disgrace or dishonor
2 : the upper part of the pistil of a flower which receives the pollen grains

stigma

noun
stig·​ma | \ ˈstig-mə How to pronounce stigma (audio) \
plural stigmata\ stig-​ˈmät-​ə How to pronounce stigmata (audio) , ˈstig-​mət-​ə How to pronounce stigmata (audio) \ or stigmas

Medical Definition of stigma

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