scorn

play

noun \ ˈskȯrn \

Definition of scorn

1 :open dislike and disrespect or derision often mixed with indignation

2 :an expression of contempt or derision

3 :an object of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision :something contemptible

See scorn defined for English-language learners

See scorn defined for kids

Examples of scorn in a Sentence

Unlike government censorship, this corruption eats at one of China's more beleaguered professions from within its ranks. The trading of favors for cash is so prevalent that, like the honest cop in a corrupt police unit, an ethical journalist risks the scorn of colleagues. —Gady A. Epstein, Forbes, 21 July 2008
He burns with generous indignation at the scorn with which many literary critics have treated Tolkien, and his subtitle, "author of the Century," is meant to provoke. But provocation is only one of his purposes. —Richard Jenkyns, New Republic, 28 Jan. 2002
Claiming their inalienable rights as teenagers, the two exercise an unmitigated scorn for all adults in the immediate vicinity … —B. Ruby Rich, Nation, 3 & 10 Sept. 2001
They treated his suggestion with scorn.
an expression full of scorn
Her political rivals have poured scorn on her ideas for improving the tax system.

Recent Examples of scorn from the Web

The arrangement eventually dissolved into controversy and a heated war of words between Shkreli and the hip-hop group, earning Shkreli even more scorn.

— lisa gutierrez, kansascity, "Martin Shkreli ‘disrespected the Wu-Tang Clan,’ making prospective juror mad," 17 Aug. 2017
Of course, Trump's comments quickly inspired new waves of scorn, criticizing the President for being callous and unhinged in the face of such a tragic event—and the growing white nationalist movement that's been energized by his presidency.

— maggie mallon, Glamour, "Donald Trump Just Had an Unhinged Press Conference. Here Are 16 of the Most Offensive Moments," 15 Aug. 2017
The video of the encounter is making the rounds on Facebook, inciting scorn for both drivers, but much of it directed at the Hummer driver.

— lisa gutierrez, kansascity, "Semi and Hummer play a scary game of cat and mouse in road rage incident," 19 July 2017
More: Family's 'co-sleeping' arrangement draws praise, scornJanes said babies under a year old are at risk if their airways are impeded by blankets, pillows, stuffed toys or sleeping with an adult.

— deborah yetter, The Courier-Journal, "It's life or death: Don't sleep with your baby, expert says," 6 July 2017
In fact, Hunter-Reay seems to have been on the receiving end of her scorn pretty often throughout his career.

— jim ayello, Indianapolis Star, "Ryan Hunter-Reay to Lady Luck: 'Leave me alone'," 6 July 2017
Back then, the New York move was not a great idea: Broadway heaped scorn on the populist Chicago hit.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "Libby Adler Mages was a producer with much to offer," 5 July 2017
Chief Executive Officer John Cryan has been trying to improve the lender’s risk and operational controls that have drawn scorn from regulators around the world.

— matt scully, Bloomberg.com, "Deutsche Bank Faces Possible $60 Million Derivative Loss," 27 June 2017
Jones, who spent 11 years in the minors, was one of many men of color who dealt with inferior accommodations, the scorn of white teammates, and racist threats on and off the field to pursue his big-league dreams.

— manny navarro, miamiherald, "New baseball film chronicles life of African Americans, Afro-Latinos who followed Jackie Robinson’s footsteps," 26 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scorn.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of scorn

Middle English, from Anglo-French escharne, escar, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scern jest

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

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scorn Synonyms

Synonyms

contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, disdain, misprision, contempt

Antonyms

admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect

Near Antonyms

acceptance, tolerance; adoration, adulation, deference, deification, glorification, idolatry, idolization, lionization, reverence, veneration, worship; affection, fancy, fondness, liking, love

scorn

play

verb \ ˈskȯrn \

Definition of scorn

transitive verb

:to treat with scorn :reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy

scorned local traditions

scorned to reply to the charge

intransitive verb

:to show disdain or derision :scoff

—

scorner

noun

See scorn defined for English-language learners

Examples of scorn in a Sentence

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
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
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
He scorns anyone who earns less money than he does.
Her actions were scorned by many people.
They were scorned as fanatics.

Recent Examples of scorn from the Web

A person scorned, harboring ill-will to those who have wronged her, not afraid to go for the throat.

— kenzie bryant, Vanities, "Taylor Swift Is Ready to Come Out of Hiding, But Are We Ready for Her?," 28 Aug. 2017
Karen Osorio-Martinez deserves compassion today, not scorn.

— byron mccauley, Cincinnati.com, "The day I nearly forgot my daughter was in the car," 24 Aug. 2017
In order to avoid the wrath of a toxic friend scorned, try this approach: back away slowly.

— helaina hovitz, Teen Vogue, "How to Spot a Toxic Friend," 18 Aug. 2017
Wherever hatred and bigotry comes from, it should be called out, it should be scorned and shut down.

— tom loftus, The Courier-Journal, "Gov. Matt Bevin: 'Hatred and bigotry has no place in Kentucky'," 15 Aug. 2017
Senator Sessions has been one of the president’s most loyal supporters, now scorned by Trump for having recused himself from the Russia investigation.

— francine kiefer, The Christian Science Monitor, "Donald Trump, meet the Founding Fathers," 4 Aug. 2017
At that same time, Hoffa, for all his prowess as a union strategist, scorned Reuther's social activism.

— john gallagher, Detroit Free Press, "FCA/UAW scandal undercuts unions' ability to carry out their mission," 29 July 2017
Gilstrap's controversial interpretation of the TC Heartland decision has been scorned by lawmakers who have supported patent reform efforts.

— joe mullin, Ars Technica, "Will East Texas be able to keep patent cases despite the Supreme Court?," 20 July 2017
Consequently, the hero must be either venerated and elevated or cynically scorned and abased.

— elliot kaufman, National Review, "John McCain: A Hero Under Fire," 19 July 2017

Origin and Etymology of scorn

see ¹scorn

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 13th century

See Words from the same year

scorn Synonyms

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)

Synonym Discussion of scorn

despise, contemn, scorn, disdain mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration. despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

- despises cowards

contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

- contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

- scorns the very thought of retirement

disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

- disdained popular music

SCORN Defined for English Language Learners

scorn

play

noun

Definition of scorn for English Language Learners

: a feeling that someone or something is not worthy of any respect or approval
: harsh criticism that shows a lack of respect or approval for someone or something

scorn

play

verb

Definition of scorn for English Language Learners

: to show that you think (someone or something) is not worthy of respect or approval : to feel or express scorn for (someone or something)
: to refuse or reject (someone or something that you do not think is worthy of respect or approval)