Word: stigmatize (verb)

Associations

Stigmatize means to mark someone or something as bad or different in a negative way. This often leads to shame or discrimination.

• Example 1: "People often stigmatize those with mental health issues." This shows how society views mental health negatively at times.
• Example 2: "Smoking is stigmatized in many places today." This indicates that smoking is seen as something bad.
• Example 3: "It's wrong to stigmatize someone because of their background." Here, it highlights how unfair treatment occurs based on personal history.

A synonym for stigmatize is "label." However, "label" can mean simply to tag or categorize, which is neutral. Stigmatize carries a stronger negative connotation.

Substitution

You can use words like "discriminate," "shun," or "marginalize" in some contexts.

• "Discriminate" focuses on unfair treatment based on certain characteristics.
• "Shun" implies actively avoiding someone, which emphasizes social rejection.
• "Marginalize" suggests pushing someone to the edges of a group, making them feel less important.

Deconstruction

The root of "stigmatize" is "stigma," which comes from Greek, meaning "mark" or "tattoo." The suffix "-ize" means to make or to become. Thus, to stigmatize means to create a mark or a negative label on a person or group.

Inquiry

• Why do you think certain groups are stigmatized in society?
• Can you think of a time when you felt stigmatized or saw someone else being stigmatized?
• In what ways can we change the stigma surrounding specific issues in our communities?