'Branding' definitions:

Definition of 'branding'

noun

The act of stigmatizing [syn: stigmatization, stigmatisation, branding]

From: GCIDE

Brand \Brand\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Branded; p. pr. & vb. n. Branding.].
1. To burn a distinctive mark into or upon with a hot iron, to indicate quality, ownership, etc., or to mark as infamous (as a convict). [1913 Webster]
2. To put an actual distinctive mark upon in any other way, as with a stencil, to show quality of contents, name of manufacture, etc. [1913 Webster]
3. Fig.: To fix a mark of infamy, or a stigma, upon. [1913 Webster]
The Inquisition branded its victims with infamy. --Prescott. [1913 Webster]
There were the enormities, branded and condemned by the first and most natural verdict of common humanity. --South. [1913 Webster]
4. To mark or impress indelibly, as with a hot iron. [1913 Webster]
As if it were branded on my mind. --Geo. Eliot. [1913 Webster]