Word of the Day: STIGMA

Blemish or blame

stigma (noun) - a strong feeling or label of disapproval, judgment, or shame; a negative societal attitude towards something [stig-muh]

BREAKDOWN: STIG- (to stick or sting) + -MA (object of)

• stigmatize means to show strong disapproval or apply a negative attitude or stereotype

• destigmatize means to remove a societal or cultural brand of shame, blame, or negative judgment

“Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the dangers of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of ‘crackpot’ than the stigma of conformity. And on issues that seem important to you, stand up and be counted at any cost.” —Thomas J. Watson