Main Entry: con·tempt

Pronunciation: \kən-ˈtem(p)t\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin contemptus, from contemnere

Date: 14th century

1 a : the act of despising : the state of mind of one who despises : disdain b : lack of respect or reverence for something
2 : the state of being despised
3 : willful disobedience to or open disrespect of a court, judge, or legislative body <contempt of court>