contempt
- 01 C1 Advanced
the feeling that someone or something is totally worthless and deserves no respect.
the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless. Uncountable in this abstract sense.
Simple“He showed total contempt for the rules and did whatever he wanted.”
In context“The CEO's blatant contempt for the safety concerns of his employees eventually led to a massive walkout and a public relations disaster.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'for'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the crime of being disrespectful or disobedient to a judge or a court of law.
open disrespect or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body.
Simple“The witness was found in contempt of court for refusing to answer the lawyer's questions.”
In context“The judge threatened to hold the journalist in contempt of court if she continued to withhold the identity of her confidential source during the trial.”
UsageCommonly found in the phrase 'contempt of court'.
SynonymsdisobedienceinsubordinationAntonyms
“That suggests not just petulance and contempt for his own voters, but the insecurities of a jittery man.”
“No further comment will be made on the matter.” In the statement that appears to have expedited his departure, Lamour also said his colleagues “deserve better than contempt and intimidation”.”
From Latin contemptus (“scorn”), from contemnō (“I scorn, despise”), from com- + temnō (“I despise”). Displaced native Old English forsewennes.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.