stigma Definition
stigma (stig′mə)
noun pl. -·mas, stig·ma′tastig′mə tə; stig mät′ə, -mat′ə
- Archaic a distinguishing mark burned or cut into the flesh, as of a slave or criminal
- something that detracts from the character or reputation of a person, group, etc.; mark of disgrace or reproach
- a mark, sign, etc. indicating that something is not considered normal or standard
- a small mark, scar, opening, etc. on the surface of a plant or animal, as a pore or eyespot, etc.
- a spot on the skin, esp. one that bleeds as the result of certain nervous tensions
- marks resembling the crucifixion wounds of Jesus, appearing on some devout persons in a state of intense religious fervor
- Bot. the free upper tip of the style of a flower, on which pollen falls and develops
- Med. any sign characteristic of a specific disease
- Zool. spiracle (sense )
Etymology: L < Gr, lit., a prick with a pointed instrument < stizein, to prick: for IE base see stick
stigma Related Forms
stig′·mal adjective
stigma Synonyms
stigma Usage Examples
Preposition: about
illness: I was always honest with people about the disease but there is a stigma about mental illness that makes some uneasy.
Converse of object
- attach: There is still enormous stigma attached to mental illness.
- combat: There's a deeper problem about combating stigma too.
- associate: However, the stigma associated with leprosy remains a major problem.
- eradicate: We aim to eradicate HIV-related stigma and discrimination by: Campaigning for fair laws that protect people from HIV-related discrimination.
- tackle: NHS Grampian won a bronze award for its campaign to tackle the stigma of mental health.
- dispel: The St Leonards Festival offered the hard-working traders on the road an opportunity to dispel that stigma.
Adjective modifier
- hiv-related: These should inform an integrated response to HIV-related stigma.
- psychiatric: Measures which prioritize reductions in psychiatric stigma will have profound and enduring benefits in these key areas.
- social: There can be social stigma also from their peers.
- less: I think there is less stigma attached to being a fat bloke than being a fat woman.
- mental: Mental health stigma, if it really exists at all, is usually inverted.
- related: Ignorance about how HIV is transmitted often fuels HIV related stigma.
Modifies a noun
lobe: Protruding from each, in the image below, are two long stigma lobes.
Noun used with modifier
combat: The program aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS and combat stigma.
Preposition: of
- bankruptcy: In addition, this does nothing to diminish the stigma of bankruptcy - which remains with the individual often for many years.
- epilepsy: What has not yet disappeared is the social stigma of epilepsy.
- illness: We are aware that tackling the stigma of mental illness is an enduring task.
- flower: Up to a quarter of a million stigmas of the flowers had to be picked to make one pound of saffron.
- disease: The challenges of treating and rehabilitating those affected by leprosy while breaking down the stigma of the disease remain.
Browse dictionary entries near stigma
- ‹ Stigler, GeorgeJoseph
- ‹ stifling
- ‹ stifle
- ‹ stiffen
- ‹ stiff-necked
- ‹ stiff-arm
- ‹ stiff
- ‹ Stieglitz
- ‹ sticky wicket
- ‹ sticky fingers
- stigmasterol ›
- stigmata ›
- stigmatic ›
- stigmatism ›
- stigmatize ›
- stilbene ›
- stilbestrol ›
- stilbite ›
- stile ›
- stiletto ›

