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stigma

STIG-muh /ˈstɪɡmə/

nounB2IELTSTOEFLGRE

Social ScienceGeneral

A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

In mental health, it refers to the societal disapproval that causes people to feel ashamed or hide their struggles.

The story behind the word. In ancient Greece, a 'stigma' was a brand or tattoo cut into the skin of slaves or criminals to identify them as 'bad' people to be avoided in public places.

Word relationships

shame: 'Shame' is the internal feeling; 'stigma' is the external social force that causes it.
taint: 'Taint' suggests a trace of something bad; 'stigma' is a more formal, societal label.

honor: High respect or great esteem.
approval: The belief that someone or something is good or acceptable.

Commonly confused with

prejudice: 'Prejudice' is the internal thought; 'stigma' is the 'mark' or status placed on the victim.

Word family

stigmatize (verb): To describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval.
stigmatic (adjective): Relating to or marked by a stigma.

Collocations

social stigma
attach a stigma
remove the stigma
stigma of poverty

Example sentences

"There is still a significant stigma attached to seeking help for depression in many cultures." Discussing the barriers to mental health care.
"We must work together to break the stigma surrounding mental illness so that no one suffers in silence." A call for social change.

Memory hook

Stigma is like a 'Sting'—it leaves a painful mark on your reputation. The branded mark.

When not to use

Don't use it for a simple 'bad reputation' (like a restaurant having bad food); it implies a deep-seated social prejudice.

Fun facts

In botany, the 'stigma' is the part of a flower that receives pollen—a very different, non-negative meaning!