despise

Definition

To regard with contempt or scorn.

Etymology

From Middle English despisen, from Old French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin dēspicere (“to look down upon, despise, scorn”), from dē (“down”) + speciō (“I look at”). Displaced native Old English forsēon.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonym: hate"
• "James still despises his brother for the time he pushed him out of a tree during their childhood."

Related Words