contempt

noun con·tempt \kən-ˈtem(p)t\

: a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval

: a lack of respect for or fear of something that is usually respected or feared

law : speech or behavior that does not show proper respect to a court or judge

Full Definition of CONTEMPT

a : the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises : disdain

b : lack of respect or reverence for something

: the state of being despised

: willful disobedience to or open disrespect of a court, judge, or legislative body <contempt of court>

See contempt defined for English-language learners

See contempt defined for kids

Examples of CONTEMPT

There, in the tall grass and the jungle, many would fall and the rest would return home to endure the sullen contempt of their fellow citizens, all to no purpose. —A. J. Bacevich, Commonweal, 12 Sept. 1997
I even read a mild contempt into this first-name business, comparable to the old habit of calling men Mac, Ace, Chief, or Buddy, or calling women Honey, Sweetie, or Doll. —Aristides, American Scholar, Summer 1996
The same contempt for the poor that suggests kids are better off in orphanages will mobilize resistance to the orphanages themselves. —Katha Pollitt, Nation, 12 Dec. 1994
… they looked with contempt at the bloodless gray arthritic hands of the old woman … —Alice Walker, In Love & Trouble, 1973
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Origin of CONTEMPT

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin contemptus, from contemnere (see contemn)

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONTEMPT

Synonyms: contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, disdain, misprision, scorn

Antonyms: admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect

Rhymes with CONTEMPT

attempt, exempt

CONTEMPT Defined for Kids

contempt

noun con·tempt \kən-ˈtempt\

Definition of CONTEMPT for Kids

: a feeling of disrespect or disapproval of something or someone <It amused him that she pretended such contempt for him and yet condescended to show off … — Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain>

: the state of being despised <He holds them in contempt.>

: lack of proper respect for a judge or court <He was fined for contempt of court.>