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

But if he was hated before, rest assured he will be more despised after tonight....

From Salon

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

From Salon

Abraham Lincoln and Woodrow Wilson — presidents I respectively revere and despise — furthered this conception of the president as an avatar of the national will.

From Los Angeles Times

But Belinda lives it, through the microaggressions from her department head–she exits the position after oft-delayed meetings–and through being forced to care for someone she comes to despise.

From Salon

Related Words

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