contempt of court

Cultural

The deliberate obstruction of a court's proceedings by refusing to obey a court order or by interfering with court procedures. Contempt of court can be punished by fine, imprisonment, or both.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Thames Valley Police said it was not naming the arrested man "as per national guidance", and warned that as the case was now active, care must be taken to avoid being in contempt of court.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Lawyers for the organisation, which puts on one of the UK's largest annual pride events, accused Joell-Deshields of two counts of contempt of court for failing to comply with the order.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

Hasina, already convicted in July for contempt of court and sentenced in absentia to six months in prison, also faces ongoing corruption cases.

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

In June, Lira pleaded guilty in Illinois federal court to one count of contempt of court for defying a Chicago judge’s order concerning the distribution of settlement funds.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 7, 2025

The judge declared Russo in contempt of court and sent him to jail.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023