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stigmate

stigma

noun steeg-MAT Rare
People & Society Values

Origin: Greek stigma 'brand, mark'

Also means

mark

Usage Note

Stigmate in the plural les stigmates refers to the marks of Christ's wounds in Catholic tradition, a central concept in the lives of mystics like Saint Francis. In modern usage it means a social stigma or lasting mark — physical or reputational. The verb stigmatiser ('to stigmatise') is common in political and social discourse.

Examples

"Il porte encore les stigmates de son passé."

Natural Translation

He still bears the marks of his past.

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