despise

created by BaronCarlos
(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Tue Dec 21 1999 at 23:01:32

De*spise" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Despised (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Despising.] [OF. despis-, in some forms of despire to despise, fr. L. despicere, despectum, to look down upon, despise; de- + spicere, specere, to look. See Spy, and cf. Despicable, Despite.]

To look down upon with disfavor or contempt; to contemn; to scorn; to disdain; to have a low opinion or contemptuous dislike of.

Fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. i. 7.

Men naturally despise those who court them, but respect those who do not give way to them. Jowett (Thucyd. ).

Syn. -- To contemn; scorn; disdain; slight; undervalue. See Contemn.

 

© Webster 1913.

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