Contemn (k&obreve_;nt&ebreve_;m), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Contemned (-t&ebreve_;md); p. pr. & vb. n. Contemning (-t&ebreve_;mn&ibreve_;ng or -t&ebreve_;m&ibreve_;ng).] [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.
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Thy pompous delicacies I contemn. Milton.
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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.
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