ˈstig-mə-tə
Bob GaydosBrian X. ChenPaul Taylor
Did you know?
Stigma was borrowed from Latin stigmat- , stigma, meaning "mark, brand," and ultimately comes from Greek stizein, meaning "to tattoo." Earliest English use hews close to the word's origin: stigma in English first referred to a scar left by a hot iron—that is, a brand. In modern use the scar is figurative: stigma most often refers to a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something—for example, people talk about the stigma associated with mental illness, or the stigma of poverty. When the plural form stigmata is used, the context is frequently religious: stigmata typically refers to bodily marks or pains resembling the wounds of the crucified Jesus and sometimes accompanying religious ecstasy. The first person said to have experienced this miraculous infliction of stigmata is St. Francis of Assisi, in the 13th century.
Synonyms
Examples of stigma in a Sentence
Kristina Behr, Parents, 2 Apr. 2024
Aside from systemic barriers in accessing IVF treatments, many Black women and people seeking care have to contend with the cultural stigma surrounding fertility treatments that is deeply entrenched within Black communities.
—Larada Lee, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stigma 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stigma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Articles Related to stigma
Dictionary Entries Near stigma
Cite this Entry
“Stigma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigma. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
stigma
noun
ˈstig-mət-ə
or stigmas
Medical Definition
stigma
noun
ˈstig-mət-ə
or stigmas
More from Merriam-Webster on stigma
Nglish: Translation of stigma for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of stigma for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stigma
Share