'stigmatization' originates from modern English, specifically formed from the verb 'stigmatize' + the noun-forming suffix '-ation', where 'stigmatize' ultimately derives from the Greek 'stigma' meaning 'mark, brand'.

'stigmatization' traces back through the verb 'stigmatize', which entered English via Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'stigmatizare' and Old French (or via scholarly formation) from Greek στίγμα ('stigma'); over time the verb gave rise to the noun with the suffix '-ation' to form the modern English 'stigmatization'.

Initially 'stigma' meant 'a mark or brand (often physical)'; over time the related verbal and nominal forms shifted to mean 'to mark with disgrace' and 'the process/state of being marked with disgrace' and are now used chiefly in social and moral contexts.