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Noun: contempt  kun'tem(p)t
  1. Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
    "he was held in contempt";
    - disdain, scorn, despite
     
  2. Open disrespect for a person or thing
    "He couldn't hide his contempt for their shallow values";
    - scorn
     
  3. A manner that is generally disrespectful and contemptuous
    "His contempt for authority often got him into trouble";
    - disrespect
     
  4. (law) a wilful disobedience to or disrespect for the authority of a court or legislative body
    "The witness was held in contempt for refusing to answer questions"

Derived forms: contempts

Type of: discourtesy, dislike, disobedience, disrespect, noncompliance, rudeness

Encyclopedia: Contempt