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

Crow’s methods have both generated some disdain from leaders of more elite universities and elevated him to near-godlike status in Arizona, where residents have reaped the rewards of his empire-building.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Themes of the fabulous and the unreal went from cultural acclaim to critical disdain relatively quickly.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After two days, I’d start eyeing my mushy backside with disdain in restaurant windows.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It will be remembered as a moment when an American president’s disdain for his country’s values was on full display.

Read more on Salon

Their shared disdain — and fear — of a free press was evident, from downplaying the killing of Khashoggi to snapping at ABC News reporter Mary Bruce when she asked about his murder.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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