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stigma Definition

stigma (stig′mə)

noun pl. -·mas, stig·ma′tastig′mə tə; stig mät′ə, -mat′ə

  1. Archaic a distinguishing mark burned or cut into the flesh, as of a slave or criminal
  2. something that detracts from the character or reputation of a person, group, etc.; mark of disgrace or reproach
  3. a mark, sign, etc. indicating that something is not considered normal or standard
  4. a small mark, scar, opening, etc. on the surface of a plant or animal, as a pore or eyespot, etc.
    1. a spot on the skin, esp. one that bleeds as the result of certain nervous tensions
    2. marks resembling the crucifixion wounds of Jesus, appearing on some devout persons in a state of intense religious fervor
  6. Bot. the free upper tip of the style of a flower, on which pollen falls and develops
  7. Med. any sign characteristic of a specific disease
  8. 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

n.

reproach, brand, stain, shame; see blame 1, disgrace 2.

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.