What does "contempt" mean?

1. (scorn or disdain) the feeling that someone or something is totally worthless and deserves no respect. 2. (disobeying a court) the crime of being disrespectful or disobedient to a judge or a court of law.

How do you use "contempt"?

Often used with the preposition 'for'. Commonly found in the phrase 'contempt of court'.

contempt

US //kənˈtɛmpt// UK //kəntˈɛmpt// con·tempt

1 scorn or disdain (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

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.

Example

He showed total contempt for the rules and did whatever he wanted.

Example

The CEO's blatant contempt for the safety concerns of his employees eventually led to a massive walkout and a public relations disaster.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'for'.
2 disobeying a court (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Formal Law

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.

Example

The witness was found in contempt of court for refusing to answer the lawyer's questions.

Example

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.

Usage

Commonly found in the phrase 'contempt of court'.
- disobedience
- insubordination
- compliance
- obedience

Origin

From Latin contemptus (“scorn”), from contemnō (“I scorn, despise”), from com- + temnō (“I despise”). Displaced native Old English forsewennes.