destigmatize

verb

de·​stig·​ma·​tize (ˌ)dē-ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 

destigmatized; destigmatizing; destigmatizes

transitive verb

: to remove associations of shame or disgrace from

destigmatize mental illness

Examples of destigmatize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If this movie plays some small part in destigmatizing middle-aged female sexuality, that’s worth applauding. —Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Mar. 2025

First, employers should continue investing in and destigmatizing the use of mental health resources for their employees. —Michelle Travis, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Plus, the censorship not only impacts revenue for these businesses but also adds to shame around these topics like menopause and menstruation that need to be destigmatized in our culture. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 4 Mar. 2025

The filmmaker seeks to destigmatize the profession in films that bring humanity to an underseen corner of the world. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for destigmatize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

destigmatize

verb

de·​stig·​ma·​tize (ˌ)dē-ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 

: to remove shame or disgrace from