scorn

¹scorn

noun \ˈskȯrn\

Definition of SCORN

1

: open dislike and disrespect or derision often mixed with indignation

2

: an expression of contempt or derision

3

: an object of extreme disdain, contempt, or derision : something contemptible

Examples of SCORN

1. They treated his suggestion with scorn.
2. an expression full of scorn
3. Her political rivals have poured scorn on her ideas for improving the tax system.
4. Unlike government censorship, this corruption eats at one of China's more beleaguered professions from within its ranks. The trading of favors for cash is so prevalent that, like the honest cop in a corrupt police unit, an ethical journalist risks the scorn of colleagues. —Gady A. Epstein, Forbes, 21 July 2008
5. He burns with generous indignation at the scorn with which many literary critics have treated Tolkien, and his subtitle, “author of the Century,” is meant to provoke. But provocation is only one of his purposes. —Richard Jenkyns, New Republic, 28 Jan. 2002
6. Claiming their inalienable rights as teenagers, the two exercise an unmitigated scorn for all adults in the immediate vicinity … —B. Ruby Rich, Nation, 3 & 10 Sept. 2001

Origin of SCORN

Middle English, from Anglo-French escharne, escar, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scern jest

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to SCORN

Synonyms: contemptuousness, despisement, despite, despitefulness, disdain, misprision, contempt

Antonyms: admiration, esteem, estimation, favor, regard, respect

Related Words: abhorrence, abomination, detestation, execration, hate, hatred, loathing, lovelessness; cattiness, hatefulness, invidiousness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness; aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, odium, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, jealousy, pique, resentment; bile, jaundice, rancor, spleen, venom, vindictiveness, virulence, vitriol; aspersion, belittlement, deprecation, depreciation, detraction, diminishment, disparagement; derision, mockery, ridicule; abuse, invective, vituperation; censure, condemnation, denunciation

Near Antonyms: acceptance, tolerance; adoration, adulation, deference, deification, glorification, idolatry, idolization, lionization, reverence, veneration, worship; affection, fancy, fondness, liking, love

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with SCORN

born, borne, bourn, corn, horn, lorn, morn, mourn, Norn, Orne, porn, thorn, warn, Zorn