despise

[ dih-spahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·spised, de·spis·ing.

1. to regard with contempt, distaste, disgust, or disdain; scorn; loathe.

   Synonyms: detest, contemn

   Antonyms: admire

despise

/ dɪˈspaɪz /

verb

1. tr to look down on with contempt; scorn

   he despises flattery

Derived Forms

• deˈspiser, noun

Other Words From

• de·spisa·ble adjective
• de·spisa·ble·ness noun
• de·spiser noun
• de·spising·ly adverb
• unde·spised adjective
• unde·spising adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of despise¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English despisen, from Old French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin dēspicere; despicable

Word History and Origins

Origin of despise¹

C13: from Old French despire, from Latin dēspicere to look down, from de- + specere to look

Example Sentences

It’s a tough assignment because most people don’t want to talk to a reporter either because they don’t have the time or they despise journalists.

From Salon

Trump’s leading contenders for attorney general all despise abortion.

From Slate

“To this day I despise gardening,” said Stewart’s brother, Eric Scott.

From Salon

The juxtaposition of scenes of her surveying her estate’s grounds and telling her landscaping staff what she wants to be done against the echo of her brother Eric Scott’s voice saying “To this day, I despise gardening” is withering.

From Salon

“But I despise the way that he handled his time in office. And I voted for Biden, and I can honestly say I definitely put a lot more thought and passion into that second vote than I did the first. And I will happily admit that my first vote wasn't the most educated.”

From Salon

Related Words

• abhor
• deride
• detest
• disdain
• eschew
• hate
• loathe
• neglect
• reject
• repudiate
• revile
• scorn
• shun
• snub
• undervalue