Con‐temn″ (kŏn‐tĕm″), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Contemned (–tĕmd); p. pr. & vb. n.Contemning (–tĕm″nĭng or –tĕm″ĭng).] [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.
Thy pompous delicacies I contemn.
Milton.
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.