Stigmatize - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To stigmatize means to unfairly label or disgrace someone, often due to societal disapproval of their actions, traits, or identity. It involves treating them as inferior or shameful.
Definition:
To mark or treat someone as disgraceful or shameful due to a particular characteristic.
Synonyms:
Brand, condemn, disparage, vilify
Part of Speech:
Verb
Antonyms:
Praise, honor
Common Collocations:
Social stigma, stigmatize behavior, stigmatize mental illness
Derivatives:
Stigmatization, stigmatized, stigmatizing
Usage Tips:
Use "stigmatize" to describe unfair societal disapproval or labeling of individuals or groups.
Common Phrases:
Stigmatize the outcast, stigmatize as deviant, bear the stigma of
Etymology:
From Greek "stigma," meaning a mark or brand, often used to denote shame or disgrace.
Examples:
- 1. She didn’t want to stigmatize him for his past mistakes.
- 2. Society often stigmatizes people with mental health issues unfairly.
- 3. The campaign aims to stop stigmatizing single parents in the community.
- 4. Some cultures still stigmatize divorce despite changing attitudes worldwide.