stigmatize

especially British, stig·ma·tise

[stig-muh-tahyz]

verb (used with object)

stigmatized, stigmatizing 

1. to set some mark of disgrace or infamy upon.

   The crime of the father stigmatized the whole family.

2. to mark with a stigma or brand.

3. to produce stigmata, marks, spots, or the like, on.

stigmatize

/ ˈstɪɡməˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to mark out or describe (as something bad)

2. to mark with a stigma or stigmata

Other Word Forms

• stigmatization noun
• stigmatizer noun
• destigmatize verb (used with object)
• unstigmatized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stigmatize¹

1575–85; < Medieval Latin stigmatizāre, equivalent to stigmat- ( stigmatic ) + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

As Mr. Sowell argued in his 1994 book “Race and Culture: A World View,” culture can sometimes discourage behaviors that lead to progress—devaluing education, stigmatizing work or glorifying reckless behavior.

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Barnett -- in a view that mirrors the medical community at large -- sees the White House language as misinformation that only serves to drum up fear among parents and stigmatize people like himself.

Read more on Barron's

Many who took part in the study, however, said they avoided seeking care either because they couldn’t afford it or because they worried they’d be stigmatized for having a mental health crisis.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For a time, Byerley belonged to a social-media movement that has given antidepressants a makeover—from a stigmatized medicine to a healthy lifestyle accessory for enlightened and empowered young women.

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Constant surveillance, an inability to make decisions without the permission of a husband and even being stigmatized for smoking are among the tensions depicted in “The Circle.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times