Con*temn" (k&obreve;n*t&ebreve;m"), v.
t. [imp. & p. p. Contemned (-
t&ebreve;md); p. pr. & vb. n. Contemning
(-t&ebreve;m"n&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.
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.
