contempt Hear it!

contempt definition

con·tempt (kən tempt′)

noun

  1. the feeling or attitude of one who looks down on somebody or something as being low, mean, or unworthy; scorn
  2. the condition of being despised or scorned
  3. the punishable act of showing disrespect for the authority or dignity of a court (or legislature), as by disobedience, unruliness, etc.
    in full contempt of court (or congress, etc.) contempt of court (or congress, etc.)

Etymology: OFr < L contemptus, scorn, pp. of contemnere: see contemn

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Comments
Improve this definition.
Do you have more to add? Share your linguistic knowledge or observation.
/Register to save your comments.