stigma

American  

[stig-muh] / ˈstɪg mə /

noun

plural

stigmata, stigmas

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.

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stigma British  

/ 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

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stigma Scientific  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of stigma

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

Explanation

If something has a negative association attached to it, call this a stigma. Bed-wetting can lead to a social stigma for a six-year-old, while chewing tobacco might have the same effect for a sixty-year-old. Stigma, from the Greek word of the same spelling meaning "mark, puncture," came into English through Latin to mean a mark burned into the skin to signify disgrace. It did not take long for stigma to be used figuratively, as it is commonly used today, for the negative stereotype or reputation attached to something. If a politician is caught taking bribes, she might resign because of the stigma.

Example Sentences

Advocates say that reframing the condition may also reduce stigma and help patients receive earlier, more comprehensive treatment.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

The film highlighted the experience of teen girls in Surkhet, Nepal, and the menstrual stigma they faced.

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2026

"There's also a lot of stigma around its effects of euphoria. In our patients who may have months to a few years to live, still being able to experience joy is really important."

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

Andrew Bosworth, Meta's chief technology officer, was asked on Instagram two weeks ago about "the stigma around people wearing smart glasses every day",

From BBC • May 13, 2026

And the long, aggressive, yellowy stigma jutting from the center is like a jaundiced old man's finger.

From "Counting by 7s" by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Related Words

• scar
• stain