Stigma
noun /ˈstɪɡ.mə/ — A mark of disgrace associated with a particular condition or quality.
Definition
A mark of disgrace or shame associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Social stigma is a powerful force — it determines what can be discussed, who can be admitted, and what must be hidden.
Beyond the definition
Stigma is social control without force. It doesn't require law or punishment — only the threat of being marked, excluded, reduced. The fear of stigma shapes behaviour more completely than most visible rules.
Origin & history
Greek: 'stigma' (a mark made by a pointed instrument). In antiquity, stigmata were marks branded on criminals or slaves. In Christian tradition, the stigmata are wounds corresponding to Christ's crucifixion.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
The stigma attached to mental illness was the barrier that kept so many from seeking help.
She decided to speak publicly — not for herself, but to reduce the stigma for those who came after.
Naming something removes some of its stigma. The unnamed thing is the most frightening.
How to use it
This entry uses a noun. Follow the examples for articles and singular or plural forms; not every noun takes “a” or “an.”
Choose “Stigma” when the meaning fits your context: A mark of disgrace or shame associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Social stigma is a powerful force — it determines what can be discussed, who can be admitted, and what must be hidden.
Synonyms
shame, dishonour, disgrace, mark
Antonyms
honour, pride, acceptance
Related words
Stigma vs stereotype
A stigma is a deep mark of disgrace attached to a condition. A stereotype is a fixed, oversimplified belief about a group, which can lead to stigma.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Reflecting in Quiet Room
An adult sits in a dark, quiet room, looking at a single, empty chair.
The profound sadness of the person sitting alone represents a stigma, where the weight of an invisible loss can socially isolate an individual, creating a barrier between them and the rest of the world.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Stigma" mean?
Stigma is noun meaning: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular condition or quality.. A mark of disgrace or shame associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Social stigma is a powerful force — it determines what can be discussed, who can be admitted, and what must be hidden.
Where does the word "Stigma" come from?
Greek: 'stigma' (a mark made by a pointed instrument). In antiquity, stigmata were marks branded on criminals or slaves. In Christian tradition, the stigmata are wounds corresponding to Christ's crucifixion.