Contempt: meaning, definitions and examples

This word often describes a deep sense of disapproval or derision towards someone or something considered unworthy or inferior. It can be used in legal settings to describe a willful disobedience to or disrespect for the court.

• She spoke with contempt about his dishonesty.
• The judge held the defendant in contempt for his outburst.

This word is used when someone shows a lack of respect towards something or someone perceived as not worth consideration. It suggests a sense of superiority.

• He looked at her with disdain as she struggled with the task.
• She has a strong disdain for gossip and rumors.

This word is often used to express a deeper and more intense level of rejection and hatred. It denotes an attitude of extreme contempt and often involves mockery.

• She couldn't hide her scorn for his cowardly actions.
• He faced the scorn of his peers after the incident.

Less intense than contempt and disdain, this word refers to a lack of respect or courtesy towards someone or something. It is often used to describe rude or insulting behavior.

• His disrespect for the teacher was obvious.
• She felt disheartened by his disrespectful comments.

Used to express deep disdain or the feeling that something is worthless or beneath consideration.

• She looked at the messy room with contempt
• He spoke with contempt about the new policy

Typically used to describe open resistance or bold disobedience to authority.

• The protestors shouted in defiance of the new law
• His defiance was evident when he refused to follow the orders

Refers to the act of not following orders or rules, often in a less aggressive manner than defiance.

• Her disobedience in the classroom resulted in a detention
• The dog's disobedience made training challenging

This word is used to describe an organized resistance against authority, often involving a group and implying a larger scope than individual defiance.

• The rebellion against the government lasted for months
• Teen rebellion is a common phase in their development

This word is used to express a strong feeling of disdain or lack of respect for someone or something perceived as worthless. It often implies a moral judgment.

• She felt a deep contempt for those who abandoned their responsibilities
• \nHe spoke with utter contempt about the corruption in politics

Shame is a painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable or improper done by oneself or another. It can be both internal (personal feeling of guilt) and external (public disapproval).

• He felt shame for lying to his friends
• \nThere was a sense of shame about the condition of the neighborhood

Disgrace means a state of dishonor or loss of respect due to a particular action, situation, or behavior. It often has a public aspect.

• The scandal brought disgrace to the entire family
• \nHe faced disgrace after his unethical business practices were exposed

Humiliation refers to the act or state of being made to feel ashamed or foolish, often in public, causing a loss of dignity or self-respect.

• She experienced humiliation when she tripped and fell on stage
• \nThe criticism from his boss was a source of deep humiliation