contemn

[kuh n-tem] /kənˈtɛm/
verb (used with object)
1.
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt.
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English contempnen (< Middle French) < Latin contemnere to despise, scorn, equivalent to con- con- + temnere to slight; see contempt
Related forms
contemner
[kuh n-tem-er, -tem-ner] /kənˈtɛm ər, -ˈtɛm nər/ (Show IPA), contemnor
[kuh n-tem-ner] /kənˈtɛm nər/ (Show IPA), noun
contemnible
[kuh n-tem-nuh-buh l] /kənˈtɛm nə bəl/ (Show IPA), adjective
contemnibly, adverb
contemningly, adverb
precontemn, verb (used with object)
uncontemned, adjective
uncontemning, adjective
uncontemningly, adverb
Can be confused
condemn, contemn.
Synonyms
scorn, disdain, despise.
Examples from the web for contemn
  • The pomp of tedious and elaborate monuments they contemn, as things grievous to the deceased.
British Dictionary definitions for contemn

contemn

/kənˈtɛm/
verb
1.
(transitive) (formal) to treat or regard with contempt; scorn
Derived Forms
contemner (kənˈtɛmnə; -ˈtɛmə) noun
contemnible (kənˈtɛmnɪbəl) adjective
contemnibly, adverb
Word Origin
C15: from Latin contemnere, from temnere to slight
Word Origin and History for contemn
v.

mid-15c., from Old French contemner (15c.), from Latin contemnere "to despise, scorn" (see contempt).