Etymology Map
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Stigma

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a mark of disgrace

Where does the word "stigma" come from? It comes from Greek stigma, adopted directly into English (1590s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
stigma
Greek · ancient
"mark, brand"
Greek, from 'stizein', to prick: a mark burned on slaves
2
Stage 2 of 2
stigma
English · 1590s
"brand"
religious 'stigmata' date from the 1600s
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Read the full story

Stigma’s story begins in Greek: stigma meant “mark, brand.” Greek, from 'stizein', to prick: a mark burned on slaves. It reached English by 1590s as stigma. Religious 'stigmata' date from the 1600s. Today, stigma means a mark of disgrace.