Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Stigmatise
verb
/ STIG-muh-tyz /
Medium
Meaning
To mark or regard a person, group, or condition with disgrace, shame, or social disapproval
Origin / Etymology
Greek stigma (a mark, brand) from stizein (to prick, tattoo); originally referred to branding slaves or criminals
Synonyms
Shame
Brand
Ostracise
Label
Antonyms
Normalise
Accept
Validate
Destigmatise
Example Sentence
"Despite having the oldest menstrual leave law since 1947, fewer than 1% of Japanese women use it because workplace culture stigmatises those who take the leave."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS-1 and GS-2 answers on social issues, gender equity, mental health policy, and caste discrimination. Powerful verb for describing how social attitudes undermine legal protections.
Relevant Subjects
📰 Related Articles
9 Aug
Current Affairs Today, August 9, 2026
9 Aug
Why India Does Not Call Its Tribes "Indigenous":...
9 Aug
When the Aspirants Sit Down: Jharkhand's JPSC-JSSC...
✍️ Related Editorials
A new UPSC word every morning
Word of the Day at 7am, plus daily current affairs and free PDFs
Join Channel