stigma

Definition

An indication of infamy or disgrace.

Etymology

From Latin stigma, from Ancient Greek στίγμα (stígma, “mark of slavery or disgrace”), from στίζω (stízō, “to mark”). Closely related to stigme, and distantly related to stick.

Example Sentences

• "But to have as an enforced dining companion a man who was probably a Papist, certainly a rake, and bore the stigma of cowardice, was anathema."
• "Yet, because of the stigma around nursing home placement, it is hard to find advocates from among the natural advocacy groups the families. You don't see families organized around long-term care as you do around specific diseases."
• "Hence, the stigma attached to mental disorders in general forms the basis of the stigma towards women with mental health problems. […]"

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