stigma

American  

[stig-muh] / ˈstɪg mə /

noun

• stigmata,
  plural
• stigmas
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• stigmas
  plural
• stigmata
  plural

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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

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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

See Examples For:

stigma stigmas stigmata

Organisers said they wanted to make affordable clothing accessible to everyone while challenging the stigma sometimes associated with buying second-hand.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026

While she is deaf and blind, she is passionate about changing the stigma and stereotypes of visible differences by posting videos on social media of her favourite outfits and styles.

From BBC ● Oct. 28, 2026

By making mental health conditions easier to understand through measurable physical information, the company hopes to reduce stigma and help patients better understand their experiences.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 23, 2026

If television could hit something approaching the same cinematic highs and emotional depths as a Hollywood movie, even if rarely, then the stigma of going episodic couldn’t last.

From Salon ● Oct. 18, 2026

At least from the outside, it seemed he was grasping for an option that avoided the risk of a longer sentence, and the lifelong stigma of conviction.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

Fenton warned the policy could bring stigmas about using the toilet in school to "a whole new level".

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

Limiting your travels due to potential racial stigmas is doing yourself a disservice.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 6, 2026

It’s also a testament to bygone stigmas and ascendant trends in American dining.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 19, 2026

In her writing, she openly discusses and encourages topics about womanhood and aging despite the stigmas around women's health, and emphasizes moments in her life where she held men accountable.

From Salon ● Jan. 15, 2025

To subject people who test positive to stigmas, especially when most of them may be false positives, is counterproductive and wrong.

From "Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences" by John Allen Paulos

St. Francis, unmistakable from his tonsure, his chestnut robe and his stigmata, looks lovingly at the Christ Child.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 11, 2026

It's not whether or not he really received the stigmata.

From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2025

At least get some kind of stigmata going.

From Slate ● Oct. 28, 2024

Church figures who claimed to have experienced the stigmata wounds, including Padre Pio and Pope Francis’ namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, have inspired millions of Catholics.

From Seattle Times ● May 16, 2024

“All the physiological stigmata of old age have been abolished. And along with them, of course . . .” “Don’t forget to ask him about that Malthusian belt,” said Fanny.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

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Related Words

• scar
• stain

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