stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 
stigmatized; stigmatizing; stigmatizes
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
Michele CookeThe 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
MacKenzie TastanAlcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use problems are considered diseases like any other, but are stigmatized as moral failure by many.—Marcelo Campos
Marcelo Campos
b
archaic
: brand
2
: to mark with stigmata
Examples of stigmatize in a Sentence
a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals
Recent Examples on the Web
Other factors include the way front offices utilize the Injured List, and that IL trips are less stigmatized among players nowadays.
—C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 20 May 2025
These roles are often physically demanding, hazardous, and socially stigmatized.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Opponents argue the laws sanction discrimination and the exclusion of a vulnerable minority group and that rhetoric produced in these debates can stigmatize the transgender community.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 10 May 2025
To mitigate these concerns and to avoid stigmatizing kids who are freed, the government could suggest a discreet process of demobilization and not publicize its progress immediately.
—Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
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C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 20 May 2025
These roles are often physically demanding, hazardous, and socially stigmatized.
—Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025
Opponents argue the laws sanction discrimination and the exclusion of a vulnerable minority group and that rhetoric produced in these debates can stigmatize the transgender community.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 10 May 2025
To mitigate these concerns and to avoid stigmatizing kids who are freed, the government could suggest a discreet process of demobilization and not publicize its progress immediately.
—Elizabeth Dickinson, Foreign Affairs, 8 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for stigmatize
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigmatize. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz
stigmatized; stigmatizing
: to mark with a stigma
especially
: to describe or identify as disgraceful
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