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

In a December 1904 message to Congress, Roosevelt disdained any “unmanly” inclination to a “peace of tyrannous terror, the peace of craven weakness, the peace of injustice.”

From Salon

Sometimes the thin line between love and hate, including the brand of disdain that’s just for show, can be bridged by a tuna melt.

From Salon

Mr. Park’s movie maintains a goofy, anything-can-happen quality reminiscent of “Fargo,” however, and isn’t particularly heavy-handed in its disdain for corporations.

From The Wall Street Journal

Just how my favorite new antihero will deal with her disdain for the Others is yet to be seen.

From Los Angeles Times

Harry Brook's shots demonstrated his disdain for the exercise.

From BBC

Related Words

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