stigmatize

verb

stig·​ma·​tize ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 

stigmatized; stigmatizing; stigmatizes

transitive verb

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

The 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

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use problems are considered diseases like any other, but are stigmatized as moral failure by many.

—Marcelo Campos

b

archaic : brand

2

: to mark with stigmata

stigmatization

ˌstig-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən 

noun

Examples of stigmatize in a Sentence

a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals

Recent Examples on the Web

But some worry the focus on reversing deafness could further stigmatize deaf people. —Rob Stein, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026

Teen parents have been shamed and stigmatized. —Riley J. Steiner, STAT, 20 Apr. 2026

Using GLP-1s for weight loss has even been a bit stigmatized at times. —Petra Guglielmetti, Glamour, 16 Apr. 2026

My passion for caring for the vulnerable and stigmatized took on new depth and meaning. —Dr. Joseph D'orazio, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1585, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for stigmatize

• advertise
• aggrandize
• agonize
• alibis
• alkalies
• alkalis
• amortize
• amplifies
• analyse
• analyze
• anywise
• authorize

Kids Definition

stigmatize

verb

stig·​ma·​tize ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 

stigmatized; stigmatizing

: to mark with a stigma

especially : to describe or identify as disgraceful