Despise

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪˈspaɪz/
• Rhymes: -aɪz

Origin

From Middle English despisen, from Old French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin despicere, present active infinitive of dēspiciō ("I look down upon, despise, scorn"), from de ("down") + speciō ("I look at, behold").

Full definition of despise

Verb

1. To regard with contempt or scorn.

Synonyms

• scorn

Antonyms

• respect
• revere

Derived terms

• despisal
• despicable

Related terms

• despect
• despection