stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz
stigmatized; stigmatizing; stigmatizes
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
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigmatize. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
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