the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or deserving scorn:Pam stared at the girl with total contempthe wouldn’t answer a woman he held in such contempt
disregard for something that should be considered:this action displays an arrogant contempt for the wishes of the majority
(also contempt of court) the offence of being disobedient to or disrespectful of a court of law and its officers: [count noun]:when he was found to have lied to the House this was a contempt
beneath contempt
utterly worthless or despicable:tawdry trash that is beneath contempt
hold someone in contempt
judge someone to have committed the offence of contempt of court:the advocate was held in contempt for subpoenaing the judge
hold someone/thing in contempt
consider someone or something to be unworthy of respect or attention:the speed limit is held in contempt by many drivers
