# contempt

/kənˈtɛmpt/ (US) · /kəntˈɛmpt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/contempt
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. scorn or disdain

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the feeling that someone or something is totally worthless and deserves no respect.

For teachers: the feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

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

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Formal

the crime of being disrespectful or disobedient to a judge or a court of law.

For teachers: open disrespect or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body.

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

## Examples

- He looked at the messy room with contempt.
- The witness was held in contempt after repeatedly refusing to answer the prosecutor's questions.
- Her deep-seated contempt for the political establishment was evident in every speech she gave, as she dismissed their proposals as mere theater for the masses.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.