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

"The stigma that I faced over a long period – it does traumatise you."

From BBC

Bengali references South Asian people moving to the UK decades ago some of the stigma that still exists.

From BBC

She added there was still a lot of stigma around talking about less healthy relationships.

From BBC

Many of the women she knows tried to shield themselves from stigma by staying quiet.

From BBC

At the same time, stigma around single parenthood had lessened, said Dr Hill.

From BBC

Related Words

• scar
• stain