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stigma

American  
[stig-muh] / ˈstɪg mə /

noun

plural

stigmata, stigmas

  1. a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach, as on one's reputation.

    Synonyms:
    tarnish, blemish, blot

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. Botany. the part of a pistil that receives the pollen.

  5. 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.

  6. Archaic. a mark made by a branding iron on the skin of a criminal or slave.

stigma British  
/ ˈstɪɡmə /

noun

  1. a distinguishing mark of social disgrace

    the stigma of having been in prison

  2. a small scar or mark such as a birthmark

  3. 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

  4. botany the receptive surface of a carpel, where deposited pollen germinates

  5. zoology

    1. a pigmented eyespot in some protozoans and other invertebrates

    2. the spiracle of an insect

  6. archaic a mark branded on the skin

  7. (plural) Christianity marks resembling the wounds of the crucified Christ, believed to appear on the bodies of certain individuals

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
stigma Scientific  
/ stĭg′mə /

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

  2. See more at flower

Etymology

Origin of stigma

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When asked about why there still appears to be a stigma attached to using dating shows as a career launchpad, she says "there will always be a snobbery around reality TV, especially dating shows".

From BBC

Over the decades, Boys' Love spread through online forums as the internet bloomed, gaining a fiercely loyal fanbase across East and South East Asia, often conservative cultures where queer love still carries stigma.

From BBC

The most serious challenge concerns the stigma associated with the Fed’s discount lending facility—the rate at the top of the corridor.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s a condition that can produce returns as patients flock to telehealth, as the stigma of seeking treatment for hair loss fades and as dermatologists emphasize treatment as crucial to a patient’s emotional well-being.

From MarketWatch

Prince Harry said in a statement released by the WHO: "We remain deeply committed to advancing awareness, reducing stigma and expanding access to mental health support for all those affected by conflict and crisis."

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.