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

Anderson says that three things are inevitable: middle age, complacency and the tendency to look at the next generation with disdain.

From Los Angeles Times

We are talking about something knotted up in envy and indifference and disdain.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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