contempt
UK: kənˈtɛm(p)t | US: kənˈtɛm(p)t
n. the feeling that someone or something is worthless or beneath consideration
n. (law) disobedience to or open disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body
contempt = con<together> + tempt<scorn>
- con (Latin cum): "together" or "with" (implies collective or intensified action)
- tempt (Latin temnere): "to scorn, despise" (root preserved in contemn, an archaic verb meaning "to treat with contempt")
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin contemptus (past participle of contemnere, "to scorn"), the word entered Middle English via Old French. The prefix con- intensifies the root temnere, originally meaning "to cut" (metaphorically, "to dismiss or belittle"). Over time, contempt narrowed from general disdain to a stronger, more moralized scorn—often implying judgment of unworthiness.
She stared at him with undisguised contempt.
The judge held the defendant in contempt for interrupting the trial.
His contempt for authority made him a rebel in his youth.
The politician’s lies were met with widespread public contempt.
In the novel, the aristocrat’s contempt for the poor drives the plot.