(pronounced STIHG-meh-tyz)

If you grew up learning about Christianity, then you probably recognize the word “stigmata” as referring to the crucifixion wounds present on Jesus Christ after he was taken down from the cross. It’s not a huge leap to understand that to stigmatize someone is to mark them with some sort of stigmata — either literally with wounds or figuratively with scornful, disgraceful, or contemptuous accusations, assumptions or descriptions.

Example: Even though Randy was thoroughly cleared of the accusations that he embezzled money from the firm, he felt stigmatized by the lingering suspicious and decided to take a position with one of their competitors.