HealthSeptember 4, 2026

destigmatising

dee-STIG-muh-tahy-zing

Definition

The act of removing or reducing the feelings of shame or social disapproval traditionally associated with a specific condition or behavior.

Etymology

The word is formed by combining the prefix 'de-' (meaning 'undo' or 'remove') with 'stigmatize,' which derives from the Greek word 'stigma,' meaning a mark or brand made by a hot iron.

In the news

The author argues that destigmatising postpartum mental health issues is essential to encouraging mothers to seek help, potentially preventing future crises.

Postpartum Mental Health: Lessons from the Lindsay Clancy Case

Read the full article ↗

Glamour South Africa

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