disdain

American  

[dis-deyn, dih-steyn] / dɪsˈdeɪn, dɪˈsteɪn /

verb (used with object)

1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.

   Synonyms:

   spurn, contemn

   Antonyms:

   accept

2. to think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself.

   to disdain replying to an insult.

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noun

1. a feeling of contempt for anything regarded as unworthy; haughty contempt; scorn.

   Synonyms:

   arrogance, haughtiness

   Antonyms:

   admiration

disdain British  

/ dɪsˈdeɪn /

noun

1. a feeling or show of superiority and dislike; contempt; scorn

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verb

1. (tr; may take an infinitive) to refuse or reject with disdain

Related Words

See contempt.

Other Word Forms

• self-disdain noun
• undisdaining adjective

Etymology

Origin of disdain

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English disdainen, from Anglo-French de(s)deigner, equivalent to dis- ¹ + deign; noun derivative of the verb

Example Sentences

Motor City, it seems, is becoming Mortgage City, though the companies’ disdain for each other makes Ford Motor’s and General Motors’ rivalry pale in comparison.

From Barron's

Motor City, it seems, is becoming Mortgage City, though the companies’ disdain for each other makes Ford Motor’s and General Motors’ rivalry pale in comparison.

From Barron's

Ben manages to turn this mild inquiry into a long disquisition on her selfishness and disdain for his work.

From The Wall Street Journal

But Gustav’s hair raises when the journalist asks him whether the film will have a theatrical release, given Netflix’s disdain for the classic cinematic experience.

From Salon

“They’re remarkably comfortable, ma’am,” I asserted, trying not to take offense at her clear disdain for my favored footwear.

From Literature

Related Words

• antipathy
• arrogance
• aversion
• contempt
• derision
• dislike
• hatred
• pride
• ridicule
• scorn