D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Contemn

/(kŏn*tĕm")/ · Con·temn · IPA /kənˈtɛm/
01 v. t. To view or treat with contempt, as mean and despicable; to reject with disdain; to despise; to scorn.
imp. & p. p. Contemned; p. pr. & vb. n. Contemning
  1. 1.
    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.