stigmatize
To describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or great disapproval; to brand with a mark of disgrace.
Stigmatize involves labeling a person or a group with a negative stereotype that reduces their social status and dignity.
Word relationships
- brand: Brand can mean to physically mark or metaphorically label, while stigmatize is strictly metaphorical and focuses on the social disgrace.
- glorify: Glorify means to praise highly or represent as admirable and worthy of honor.
Commonly confused with
- criticize: Criticize is to express disapproval of specific actions, while stigmatize is to label the person's entire identity as disgraceful.
Word family
- stigma (noun): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.
- stigmatization (noun): The action of describing or regarding someone as worthy of disgrace.
Collocations
- stigmatize mental illness
- socially stigmatized
- stigmatize a group
- stigmatize behavior
Example sentences
- "We must work to support people with mental illness rather than stigmatize them." A discussion on mental health awareness
- "Single mothers were often stigmatized by the conservative welfare policies of the era." An analysis of economic inequality
Memory hook
Think of 'stigma' as a 'stick-mark'—a permanent mark of disgrace stuck onto someone's reputation that they cannot wash off. Branded with disgrace.
When not to use
Do not use stigmatize when you simply mean to criticize or disagree with someone; it must involve marking them with a lasting social stain or stereotype.
Fun facts
- In botany, the 'stigma' is the part of a flower pistil that receives the pollen, so named because it looks like a small point or mark.
Related words
Explore more words
ignominy, marginalize, denigration, discredit, disparage, indignity
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