stigmatize

/ˈstɪɡmətaɪz/

Group 5Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(verb)
To describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or disapproval
GRE

Example in Context

Mental health advocates have worked for decades to destigmatize conditions that were once stigmatized as signs of personal weakness.

Synonyms

shamebrandlabel

Etymology

To mark or brand someone with disgrace — labeling them negatively.

  • stigma (Greek) — mark, brand

Memory Aid

🪢Sounds like “stick my ties

Imagine someone STICKING ties to you, marking you with a silly label that STIGMATIZES your fashion sense!

Visual Association

🚫A person walking around with a big 'X' on their forehead, treated differently because of a stigma.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “stigmatize” mean on the GRE?

stigmatize (verb) means “To describe or regard as worthy of disgrace or disapproval”. Mental health advocates have worked for decades to destigmatize conditions that were once stigmatized as signs of personal weakness.

How to remember “stigmatize” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “stigmatize” sounds like “stick my ties”. Imagine someone STICKING ties to you, marking you with a silly label that STIGMATIZES your fashion sense!

What are synonyms for “stigmatize”?

Common synonyms: shame, brand, label.