contempt

[ kuhn-tempt ]

noun

1. the feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn.
2. the state of being despised; dishonor; disgrace.
3. Law.
   1. willful disobedience to or open disrespect for the rules or orders of a court contempt of court or legislative body.
   2. an act showing such disrespect.

contempt

/ kənˈtɛmpt /

noun

1. the attitude or feeling of a person towards a person or thing that he considers worthless or despicable; scorn
2. the state of being scorned; disgrace (esp in the phrase hold in contempt )
3. wilful disregard of or disrespect for the authority of a court of law or legislative body

   contempt of court

Other Words From

• self-con·tempt noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of contempt¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin contemptus “despising, scorn,” noun derivative of contemnere “to despise, scorn”; contemn

Word History and Origins

Origin of contempt¹

C14: from Latin contemptus a despising, from contemnere to contemn

Idioms and Phrases

see familiarity breeds contempt .

Synonym Study

contempt , disdain , scorn imply strong feelings of disapproval and aversion toward what seems base, mean, or worthless. contempt is disapproval tinged with disgust: to feel contempt for a weakling . disdain is a feeling that a person or thing is beneath one's dignity and unworthy of one's notice, respect, or concern: a disdain for crooked dealing . scorn denotes open or undisguised contempt often combined with derision: He showed only scorn for those who were not as ambitious as himself.

Example Sentences

It also warned that violating these guidelines would amount to contempt of court.

From BBC

But no one — absolutely no one — has more contempt for the intelligence of Trump voters than Trump or the people surrounding him.

From Salon

Bannon, was released from federal prison one week ago, after serving four months behind bars for contempt of the US Congress.

From BBC

He didn’t offer proof to back up Duran’s alibi, Baca wrote, and during trial he showed up late so many times the judge held him in contempt, according to court minutes and a payment receipt.

From Los Angeles Times

But Newcastle fans hold no contempt for Shearer, who took over in extremely difficult circumstances with no prior experience in management.

From BBC

Related Words

• antipathy
• condescension
• defiance
• derision
• disdain
• disregard
• disrespect
• distaste
• hatred
• malice
• mockery
• neglect
• ridicule
• scorn