HealthAugust 19, 2026

stigma

STIG-muh

Definition

A strong feeling of disapproval or shame that society or a community has about a particular condition, behavior, or personal circumstance.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word for 'mark' or 'brand,' such as a mark made by a hot iron. It historically referred to a scar or mark of disgrace and evolved to represent a social mark of shame.

In the news

The article describes how bringing mental health services into accessible locations like libraries helps reduce the stigma that often discourages people from seeking help.

Mental health millage means help for more people — and a healthier community

Read the full article ↗

concentratemedia.com

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.