scorn

Definition

To feel or display contempt or disdain for something or somebody; to despise.

Etymology

Verb from Middle English scornen, schornen, alteration of Old French escharnir, from Vulgar Latin *escarnire, from Proto-West Germanic *skarnijan, possibly from Proto-Germanic *skeraną (“to shear”) (from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ker- (“to cut”)), or possibly related to *skarną (“dung, filth”) (from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱerd-, *(s)ḱer- (“dung, manure, filth”)). Noun from Old French escarn (cognate with Portuguese escárnio, Spanish escarnio and Italian scherno). Cognate with Middle High German schern (“joke, mockery, scorn”), Old English sċierniċġe (“female entertainer, juggler, actress”).

Example Sentences

• "The Cry is ſtill, they come: our Caſtles ſtrength / Will laugh a Siedge to ſcorne"
• "We scorn what is in itself contemptible or disgraceful."
• "He scorned her romantic advances."