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
Michele CookeThe 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
MacKenzie TastanAlcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use problems are considered diseases like any other, but are stigmatized as moral failure by many.—Marcelo Campos
Marcelo Campos
b
archaic
: brand
2
: to mark with stigmata
Examples of stigmatize in a Sentence
a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals
Recent Examples on the Web
Brooklyn said Hims & Hers was created to make health and wellness solutions more accessible, particularly for treatments for conditions that some may stigmatize.
—Caitlin Owens, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025
There also are notable gaps in the kinds of coverage China’s public health insurance covers, including the absence of coverage for dental and vision care, mental health conditions (which are heavily stigmatized), and long-term care.
—Web Golinkin, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
For decades, students with disabilities have faced barriers to equal education, from physical accessibility challenges to stigmatizing attitudes.
—Zena Naiditch, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Despite its moralistic and stigmatizing name, the Social Evil Hospital was not dedicated to reforming the characters of the women who lived within its walls, sometimes for more than a year.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stigmatize 
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Caitlin Owens, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025
There also are notable gaps in the kinds of coverage China’s public health insurance covers, including the absence of coverage for dental and vision care, mental health conditions (which are heavily stigmatized), and long-term care.
—Web Golinkin, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
For decades, students with disabilities have faced barriers to equal education, from physical accessibility challenges to stigmatizing attitudes.
—Zena Naiditch, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2025
Despite its moralistic and stigmatizing name, the Social Evil Hospital was not dedicated to reforming the characters of the women who lived within its walls, sometimes for more than a year.
—Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stigmatize
Dictionary Entries Near stigmatize
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigmatize. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz
stigmatized; stigmatizing
: to mark with a stigma
especially
: to describe or identify as disgraceful
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