disdain

[ dis-deyn, dih-steyn ]

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.

noun

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

   Synonyms: haughtiness, arrogance

   Antonyms: admiration

disdain

/ dɪsˈdeɪn /

noun

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

verb

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

Other Words From

• self-dis·dain noun
• undis·daining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdain¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdain¹

C13 dedeyne, from Old French desdeign, from desdeigner to reject as unworthy, from Latin dēdignārī; see dis- ¹, deign

Synonym Study

See contempt.

Example Sentences

The place to start is with conservatives’ historic disdain for Medicaid.

From Los Angeles Times

The only effective way to deal with Trump is to ridicule him, troll him and otherwise diminish him with expressions of disdain and contempt.

From Salon

This ushers in a new set of elites, still white, but with a disdain for neoliberal institutions that no longer serve their purpose.

From Salon

Schiff’s contentious relationship with Trump — and Trump’s disdain for him — stem directly from Schiff’s work in the House to hold the Republican accountable before and during his first term in office.

From Los Angeles Times

Musk’s disdain for the government, long apparent, has become a frequent subject of his social media posts since Trump’s election last week.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abhor
• belittle
• deride
• despise
• pooh-pooh
• spurn