scorn

²scorn

verb \ˈskȯrn\

Definition of SCORN

transitive verb

: to treat with scorn (see ¹scorn): reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy <scorned local traditions> <scorned to reply to the charge>

intransitive verb

: to show disdain or derision : scoff

— scorn·er noun

Examples of SCORN

1. He scorns anyone who earns less money than he does.
2. Her actions were scorned by many people.
3. They were scorned as fanatics.
4. My parents scorned packaged and ready-made foods. It did not matter that, at the time, our hometown was a test-market capital for these sorts of food products; my father still thought that convenience food was a Communist plot, and my mother insisted that only trashy people failed to practice a separation of food groups. —Molly O'Neill, Vogue, January 2007
5. A union member and activist since age 15, bound for an academic career at Cornell and NYU, Fitch, now past 65, writes like a lover scorned. —Rob Long, National Review, 13 Feb. 2006
6. Stung by attacks on his new Excursion—a 12.5-m.p.g. guzzler dubbed “Ford Valdez” by critics—he has expressed fears that auto companies could be scorned like tobacco companies if they don't clean up their act. Similarly, GM has sought to position itself as the greenest car company, beginning in 1996 when it launched the nation's first modern, mass-produced electric car, the EV-1. —Margot Roosevelt, Time, 14 Aug. 2000

Origin of SCORN

(see ¹scorn)

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SCORN

Synonyms: contemn, dis (also diss) [slang], disdain, disrespect, high-hat, look down (on or upon), slight, sniff (at), snoot, snub, look down one's nose (at), sneeze at, thumb one's nose (at), walk over

Antonyms: honor, respect

Related Words: scout; abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, hate, loathe; belittle, deplore, deprecate, disparage; disapprove (of), discountenance, disfavor, frown (on or upon)

Near Antonyms: cherish, prize, treasure, value; admire, esteem, lionize; hallow, revere, venerate, worship; accept, appreciate, approve (of), care (for), countenance, favor, OK (or okay), subscribe (to)

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

See Synonym Discussion at despise