destigmatize

verb

de·​stig·​ma·​tize (ˌ)dē-ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce destigmatize (audio)
destigmatized; destigmatizing; destigmatizes

transitive verb

: to remove associations of shame or disgrace from
destigmatize mental illness

Examples of destigmatize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The goal of the event is education and to destigmatize what dermatologists do. Journal Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2024 It’s also invested in destigmatizing cannabis use and culture, which is a growing national topic. John Wenzel, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Co-founded in 2016 by Julia Hansen, a high schooler in Maine who had lost her two best friends to suicide, the nonprofit works to destigmatize mental illness and help students prioritize their emotional well-being. Jennifer Miller, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2024 Correspondent Tracy Smith examines the heartbreak that can come when postpartum depression is not diagnosed or treated; talks with experts and sufferers hoping to destigmatize PPD; and looks at a new drug, Zurzuvae, the first-ever pill for PPD, set to become available this week. David Morgan, CBS News, 7 Dec. 2023 Leaders at all levels must explicitly adopt and model a culture of blameless reporting, not only to permit early detection of potentially dangerous errors, but to destigmatize failure. Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2023 This led her to found the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which works to destigmatize mental health in the Black community. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 30 Nov. 2023 Johnson said her festival had helped popularize the haircut and, more importantly, destigmatize it. Michael E. Miller, Washington Post, 6 Dec. 2023 Her group helps to destigmatize women’s roles in every facet of the business and train those that wish to advance in tech and production work, with AI becoming more advanced and tools of the trade updating rapidly. Holly Jones, Variety, 2 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destigmatize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of destigmatize was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near destigmatize

Cite this Entry

“Destigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destigmatize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

destigmatize

verb
de·​stig·​ma·​tize (ˌ)dē-ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz How to pronounce destigmatize (audio)
: to remove shame or disgrace from
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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