stigma

[ stig-muh ]

noun

, plural stig·ma·ta [stig, -m, uh, -t, uh, stig-, mah, -t, uh, -, mat, -, uh], stig·mas.

1. a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation.

   Synonyms: tarnish, blemish, blot

2. Medicine/Medical.
   1. a mental or physical mark that is characteristic of a defect or disease:

      the stigmata of leprosy.

   2. a place or point on the skin that bleeds during certain mental states, as in hysteria.
3. Zoology.
   1. a small mark, spot, or pore on an animal or organ.
   2. the eyespot of a protozoan.
   3. an entrance into the respiratory system of insects.
4. Botany. the part of a pistil that receives the pollen.
5. stigmata, marks resembling the wounds of the crucified body of Christ, said to be supernaturally impressed on the bodies of certain persons, especially nuns, tertiaries, and monastics.
6. Archaic. a mark made by a branding iron on the skin of a criminal or slave.

stigma

/ ˈstɪɡmə /

noun

1. a distinguishing mark of social disgrace

   the stigma of having been in prison

2. a small scar or mark such as a birthmark
3. pathol
   1. any mark on the skin, such as one characteristic of a specific disease
   2. any sign of a mental deficiency or emotional upset
4. botany the receptive surface of a carpel, where deposited pollen germinates
5. zoology
   1. a pigmented eyespot in some protozoans and other invertebrates
   2. the spiracle of an insect
6. archaic.
   a mark branded on the skin
7. plural Christianity marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ, believed to appear on the bodies of certain individuals

stigma

/ stĭg′mə /

1. The sticky tip of a flower pistil, on which pollen is deposited at the beginning of pollination.
2. See more at flower

Word History and Origins

Origin of stigma¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin, from Greek stígma “tattoo mark,” equivalent to stig- (stem of stízein “to tattoo”) + -ma, noun suffix; stick ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of stigma¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: brand, from stizein to tattoo

Example Sentences

Largely due to stigma and the failure to educate physicians, many primary care physicians view the treatment of addiction as outside their scope of practice.

From Salon

Homeless advocates, who have fought for decades to remove the stigma around people who lack a place to live, are bracing for a multi-pronged battle against policies they deem inhumane.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's not shameful, it's not embarrassing, it's not a stigma," she said.

From BBC

She said she hoped bringing stories which had been secret for so long onto a public stage would help to lessen stigma.

From BBC

She has spoken out about what happened in the hope that this would remove some of the stigma that prevents children asking for help.

From BBC

Related Words

• scar
• stain