distain
Americanverb (used with object)
Usage
What does distain mean? Distain is a misspelling of disdain, but it’s also an archaic word that means to stain or discolor something. Distain is archaic, meaning it was once in common use but is now used very rarely. You’re most likely to see distain as a misspelling of the word disdain (which can be pronounced exactly the same as distain). To disdain something is to despise it. Example: “I distain white tablecloths,” said the red wine disdainfully.
Etymology
Origin of distain
1350–1400; Middle English desteignen < Anglo-French, Middle French desteign-, stem of desteindre, equivalent to des- dis- 1 + teindre < Latin tingere to dye, tinge
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.
The Chinese embassy in Canberra responded with distain.
From Reuters • Oct. 9, 2021
I was aware of Vladimir Nabokov’s distain for “Crime and Punishment” and Anton Chekhov’s impatience with Dostoevsky‘s “long-winded” and “indelicate” prose.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2021
The homespun garment also signaled an egalitarian distain for status symbols: “Rich and Poor all turn the Spinning Wheel” declared a popular slogan at the time.
From Slate • Apr. 10, 2020
Most people distain the $2000 per year they pay for the fiber optic cable and switches that they take for granted.
From New York Times • Jan. 16, 2018
She didn’t scream at her, or heap distain on her, order her away from her cabin or set her dogs on her.
From "The Birchbark House" by Louise Erdrich
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
