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

Myerson herself appears to have bought into that stigma, offering mixed to negative views on the Miss America pageant.

From The Daily Beast

The stigma of sexual assault runs deep in Syrian culture as it does across the Middle East; rape is shaming and casts dishonor.

From The Daily Beast

To be a woman suffering from a drinking problem in America is a lonely enterprise, defined by stigma and judgment.

From The Daily Beast

Now, we talk about reducing the stigma of this disease—yet we've treated a visitor living with it as a threat.

From The Daily Beast

And while some sex workers turn to advocacy groups, even rape support organizations sometimes perpetuate stigma.

From The Daily Beast

When the report was presented to the House, another attempt was made to put a stigma upon him.

From Project Gutenberg

Till I met you the word 'Yankee' seemed to me to be a stigma—a name to be applied in derision to the people of the North.

From Project Gutenberg

The only change was that after 1860 Europeans were clear of the stigma that attached to any direct participation in it.

From Project Gutenberg

Within the circle above mentioned there was a second pistil, tipped like the original with petal-like lobes instead of a stigma.

From Project Gutenberg

"And we, on our part, will assist you to clear the stigma resting upon the lady who is your promised wife," he said.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• scar
• stain