GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Contemn , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Contemned ; p. pr. & vb. n. Contemning .] [L. contemnere, -temptum; con- + temnere to slight, despise: cf. OF. contemner.] To view or treat with contempt, as mean and despicable; to reject with disdain; to despise; to scorn.
   1913 Webster
   Thy pompous delicacies I contemn.
   Milton.
   
   1913 Webster
   One who contemned divine and human laws.
   Dryden.
   Syn. -- To despise; scorn; disdain; spurn; slight; neglect; underrate; overlook.  -- To Contemn, Despise, Scorn, Disdain. Contemn is the generic term, and is applied especially to objects, qualities, etc., which are deemed contemptible, and but rarely to individuals; to despise is to regard or treat as mean, unbecoming, or worthless; to scorn is stronger, expressing a quick, indignant contempt; disdain is still stronger, denoting either unwarrantable pride and haughtiness or an abhorrence of what is base.
   1913 Webster