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Webster's New World College Dictionary » contempt
contempt
contempt definition
con·tempt (kən tempt′)
noun
- the feeling or attitude of one who looks down on somebody or something as being low, mean, or unworthy; scorn
- the condition of being despised or scorned
- 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
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