STIGMA Definition & Meaning

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stigma

[ stig-muh ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural stigmata stigmas.

a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation.
Synonyms: , ,
Medicine/Medical.
1. a mental or physical mark that is characteristic of a defect or disease:
  the stigmata of leprosy.
2. a place or point on the skin that bleeds during certain mental states, as in hysteria.
Zoology.
1. a small mark, spot, or pore on an animal or organ.
2. the eyespot of a protozoan.
3. an entrance into the respiratory system of insects.
Botany. the part of a pistil that receives the pollen.
stigmata, marks resembling the wounds of the crucified body of Christ, said to be supernaturally impressed on the bodies of certain persons, especially nuns, tertiaries, and monastics.
Archaic. a mark made by a branding iron on the skin of a criminal or slave.

stigma

/ ˈ��ɪɡ��ə /

noun

a distinguishing mark of social disgrace
the stigma of having been in prison
a small scar or mark such as a birthmark
pathol
1. any mark on the skin, such as one characteristic of a specific disease
2. any sign of a mental deficiency or emotional upset
botany the receptive surface of a carpel, where deposited pollen germinates
zoology
1. a pigmented eyespot in some protozoans and other invertebrates
2. the spiracle of an insect
archaic.
a mark branded on the skin
plural Christianity marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ, believed to appear on the bodies of certain individuals

stigma

/ ��ĭ��′��ə /

The sticky tip of a flower pistil, on which pollen is deposited at the beginning of pollination.
See more at flower

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of stigma¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin, from Greek ��í�� “tattoo mark,” equivalent to stig- (stem of ��í��𾱲� “to tattoo”) + -ma, noun suffix; stick ²

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of stigma¹

C16: via Latin from Greek: brand, from stizein to tattoo

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Example Sentences

"There is no stigma to asking for help to feed a pet," said Diane James, from the Blue Cross.

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The diagnosis prompted him to think about how thinking about autism has changed over the decades, including how the diagnosis no longer carries the stigma that it did during his childhood in the 1960s.

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While the country has passed trans-inclusive legislation and recognised in law a "third gender", stigma and discrimination remain.

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It could also break down longstanding stigmas surrounding mental health — as seeking help becomes something you can do at the touch of a button.

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"We all know there's a stigma around using things like food banks, but then you see the benefit, and now I don't feel embarrassed, it's a brilliant thing."

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