Stigma
Noun
Definition: A mark of shame or disgrace associated with a particular characteristic, quality, or person.
Synonyms: Disgrace, Discredit, Blemish, Taint
Antonyms: Honor, Praise, Respect
- The stigma of being a convicted felon limited his employment opportunities.
- Mental health issues still carry a stigma in many societies.
- Imagine a "stigma" as a permanent mark of shame, like a scar.
Etymology:
The word "stigma" originated from the Greek word "stigma," which referred to a mark or brand.
Historical Usage:Initially, the term was used in a literal sense, referring to a mark made by branding or tattooing to signify outcasts, criminals, or slaves. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass metaphorical marks of shame or disgrace.
Related Idioms:
"Social stigma"
Explanation:Refers to the disapproval or negative attitudes society holds towards individuals with certain characteristics or conditions.
Misconceptions:
Mistaking stigma as a physical mark or scar.
Explanation:Stigma, in its modern usage, does not refer to a literal physical mark, but rather a figurative mark of shame or disgrace.