Contempt
[kuh n-tempt] /kənˈtɛmpt/
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.
/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
n.
late 14c., from Latin contemptus “scorn,” from past participle of contemnere “to scorn, despise,” from com-, intensive prefix (see com-), + *temnere “to slight, scorn,” of uncertain origin. Phrase contempt of court is attested from 19c., though the idea is several centuries older.
see: familiarity breeds contempt
Read Also:
- Contemptible
[kuh n-temp-tuh-buh l] /kənˈtɛmp tə bəl/ adjective 1. deserving of or held in ; despicable. 2. Obsolete. . /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/ adjective 1. deserving or worthy of contempt; despicable adj. late 14c., from Latin contemptibilis “worthy of scorn,” from contempt-, past participle stem of contemnere (see contempt). Related: Contemptibility; contemptibly.
- Contemptibly
[kuh n-temp-tuh-buh l] /kənˈtɛmp tə bəl/ adjective 1. deserving of or held in ; despicable. 2. Obsolete. . /kənˈtɛmptəbəl/ adjective 1. deserving or worthy of contempt; despicable adj. late 14c., from Latin contemptibilis “worthy of scorn,” from contempt-, past participle stem of contemnere (see contempt). Related: Contemptibility; contemptibly.
- Contempt-of-congress
noun 1. contempt of a U.S. Congressional body, as of an investigating committee, shown by a witness summoned or appearing before it. The deliberate obstruction of the workings of the federal legislative branch. For example, a witness under subpoena who refuses to testify before Congress can be cited for contempt of Congress.
- Contemptuous
[kuh n-temp-choo-uh s] /kənˈtɛmp tʃu əs/ adjective 1. showing or expressing or disdain; scornful; disrespectful. /kənˈtɛmptjʊəs/ adjective 1. when predicative, often foll by of. showing or feeling contempt; disdainful adj. 1590s, from Latin contemptus (see contempt). Related: Contemptuously.
- Contemptuously
[kuh n-temp-choo-uh s] /kənˈtɛmp tʃu əs/ adjective 1. showing or expressing or disdain; scornful; disrespectful. /kənˈtɛmptjʊəs/ adjective 1. when predicative, often foll by of. showing or feeling contempt; disdainful adj. 1590s, from Latin contemptus (see contempt). Related: Contemptuously.