contempt

 
Pronunciation: /kənˈtɛm(p)t/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or deserving scorn: Pam stared at the girl with total contempt he wouldn’t answer a woman he held in such contempt
  • disregard for something that should be considered: this action displays an arrogant contempt for the wishes of the majority
  • (also contempt of court) the offence of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers: [count noun]: when he was found to have lied to the House this was a contempt

Phrases

beneath contempt

utterly worthless or despicable: tawdry trash that is beneath contempt

hold someone in contempt

judge someone to have committed the offence of contempt of court: the advocate was held in contempt for subpoenaing the judge

hold someone/thing in contempt

consider someone or something to be unworthy of respect or attention: the speed limit is held in contempt by many drivers

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin contemptus, from contemnere (see contemn)