stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz 
stigmatized; stigmatizing; stigmatizes
1
a
: to describe or regard (something, such as a characteristic or group of people) in a way that shows strong disapproval
"… Academic ableism accentuates ability and stigmatizes any weakness. …"—
Michele Cooke
Michele CookeThe campaign strives to educate individuals and communities about mental illness to the point where they understand it well enough not to stigmatize it, which is similar to what's happened with physical illnesses over time.—MacKenzie Tastan
MacKenzie TastanAlcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use problems are considered diseases like any other, but are stigmatized as moral failure by many.—Marcelo Campos
Marcelo Campos
b
archaic
: brand
2
: to mark with stigmata
Examples of stigmatize in a Sentence
a legal system that stigmatizes juveniles as criminals
Recent Examples on the Web
The misconception that working harder could prevent or treat depression may further stigmatize those who are affected and discourage them from seeking treatment.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The prenup is becoming less stigmatized—and more common outside the ultra-wealthy demographic that has always relied on them.
—Owen Tripp, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
Even if protesters aren’t aggressive, their presence can be stigmatizing or uncomfortable for patients, said Jennifer Pepper, president and CEO of Choices Center for Reproductive Health.
—Bracey Harris, NBC News, 11 Oct. 2024
Yet, despite its prevalence, the topic remains highly stigmatized, often viewed through the lens of cultural expectations and societal norms that place immense pressure on men to live up to traditional concepts of masculinity.
—Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stigmatize 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
The prenup is becoming less stigmatized—and more common outside the ultra-wealthy demographic that has always relied on them.
—Owen Tripp, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2024
Even if protesters aren’t aggressive, their presence can be stigmatizing or uncomfortable for patients, said Jennifer Pepper, president and CEO of Choices Center for Reproductive Health.
—Bracey Harris, NBC News, 11 Oct. 2024
Yet, despite its prevalence, the topic remains highly stigmatized, often viewed through the lens of cultural expectations and societal norms that place immense pressure on men to live up to traditional concepts of masculinity.
—Priya Oberoi, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for stigmatize
Dictionary Entries Near stigmatize
Cite this Entry
“Stigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stigmatize. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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stigmatize
verb
stig·ma·tize
ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz
stigmatized; stigmatizing
: to mark with a stigma
especially
: to describe or identify as disgraceful
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