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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This means helping patients feel human and using design elements that normalize and destigmatize. Sharron Van Der Meulen, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025 If a single article could utterly destigmatize an intrinsic aspect of the female experience, imagine how many other domains of misunderstood experience journalists could illuminate similarly! Katie Whyatt, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 Celebrate Failures as Learning Opportunities: Highlighting lessons learned from unsuccessful experiments helps destigmatize failure and encourages employees to keep trying. Mamie Jones, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2025 The tone will look to normalize and destigmatize mental health despite the scientific focus. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for destigmatize

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of destigmatize was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Destigmatize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/destigmatize. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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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