Simple Definition of despise

from our Learner's Dictionary

despise

verb

despises; despised; despising
: to dislike (something or someone) very much
He despises [=hates, loathes] pop music.
Although despised [=scorned, disdained] by critics, the movie attracted a wide audience.
She was despised as a hypocrite.

Cite this Entry

“Despise.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/despise. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.

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