disdain

[dis-deyn, dih-steyn]

verb (used with object)

1. to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn.

   Synonyms: spurn, contemn
   Antonyms: accept

2. to think unworthy of notice, response, etc.; consider beneath oneself.

   to disdain replying to an insult.

noun

1. a feeling of contempt for anything regarded as unworthy; haughty contempt; scorn.

   Synonyms: arrogance, haughtiness
   Antonyms: admiration

disdain

/ dɪsˈdeɪn /

noun

1. a feeling or show of superiority and dislike; contempt; scorn

verb

1. (tr; may take an infinitive) to refuse or reject with disdain

Other Word Forms

• self-disdain noun
• undisdaining adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdain¹

First recorded in 1300–50; (for the verb) Middle English disdainen, from Anglo-French de(s)deigner, equivalent to dis- ¹ + deign; noun derivative of the verb

Word History and Origins

Origin of disdain¹

C13 dedeyne, from Old French desdeign, from desdeigner to reject as unworthy, from Latin dēdignārī; see _dis- ¹ , _deign

Synonym Study

See contempt.

Example Sentences

Rupert had become increasingly troubled by the more liberal attitudes of three of his older children, particularly James, who has been outspoken in his disdain of Fox News.

From Los Angeles Times

When he wasn’t working, he was shuttling between his nine residences in Europe, the U.S. and the Caribbean, a staggering collection likely best explained by his disdain for hotel rooms.

From Los Angeles Times

To this day, the brothers disdain anything that smacks of entitlement.

From Los Angeles Times

While many societal developments contributed to the rising disdain for accredited expertise, perpetuating questionable regimens and advice on broadcast TV did plenty to help that along.

From Salon

The Scot viewed almost every journalist in the 'against us' camp, so he tended to treat their opinions with disdain, irrespective of their validity.

From BBC

Related Words

• antipathy 
• arrogance 
• aversion 
• contempt 
• derision 
• dislike 
• hatred 
• pride 
• ridicule 
• scorn