stigma
a mark of disgrace or shame
Root
- stig / stigm: mark, prick, pierce, or stick
Other words with the stig / stigm root
- stick: to attach, pierce, or stay fixed
- stigmatize: to mark someone with shame or disgrace
Stigma is a mark that sticks to reputation.
The old accusation left a stigma even after the evidence changed.
The root begins with marking or pricking. In modern use, stigma is social: a label, stain, or disgrace attached to a person or group.