verb
contemn
Contemn (verb) means to look down on someone or something as worthless.
verb
1
To look down on someone or something as worthless.
"I was perturbed by the suspicion that the anguish of love contemned was alloyed in her broken heart with the pangs, sordid to my young mind, of wounded vanity."
— W. Somerset Maugham (1919)
2
(law) To break a court order or ignore a judge's authority.
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Etymology
Came into English via Middle English contempnen, from Old French contemner, from Latin contemnō, meaning ‘to scorn’. See also contempt.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of contemn?
"contemn" (verb) means to look down on someone or something as worthless.
What is another word for contemn?
Other words for "contemn" include scorn, disdain, despise.
What is the opposite of contemn?
Opposites of "contemn" include honor, venerate, respect, esteem, revere.
What are the different meanings of contemn?
"contemn" has 2 main meanings: 1. To look down on someone or something as worthless; 2. (law) To break a court order or ignore a judge's authority.
