stig·ma 
/ˈstɪgmə/ noun
plural stig·mas /ˈstɪgmə/ noun 1 [singular] : a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something
▪ the stigma associated with mental illness = the stigma of mental illness ▪ the stigma of being poor = the stigma of poverty ▪ There's a social stigma attached to receiving welfare. 2 [count] botany : the top part in the center of a flower which receives the pollen
▪ the stigma associated with mental illness = the stigma of mental illness ▪ the stigma of being poor = the stigma of poverty ▪ There's a social stigma attached to receiving welfare.
