Contemn

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kÉ™nˈtÉ›m/
• Rhymes: -É›m

Origin

From Old French contemner, from Latin contemnere ("to scorn"). See also contempt.

Full definition of contemn

Verb

1. To disdain; to value at little or nothing; to treat or regard with contempt.
• 1919, W. Somerset Maugham, The Moon and Sixpence Chapter s:The Moon and Sixpence/Chapter XI, ... 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.

Synonyms

• despise, scorn

Related terms

• contemner
• contempt
• contemptibility
• contemptible
• contemptibly
• contemptuous