despise

verb

de·​spise di-ˈspīz 

despised; despising

transitive verb

1

: to look down on with disrespect or aversion

despised the weak

2

: to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful

despises organized religion

despisement

di-ˈspīz-mənt 

noun

despiser

di-ˈspī-zər 

noun

Synonyms

• abhor
• abominate
• detest
• execrate
• hate
• loathe

Choose the Right Synonym for despise

despise, contemn, scorn, disdain mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration.

despise may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing.

despises cowards

contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious.

contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers

scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt.

scorns the very thought of retirement

disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy.

disdained popular music

Examples of despise in a Sentence

He and Julie grooved to Cuban son and jazz on NPR and loved arty films, for instance; and they distrusted big business and despised tract houses, malls, and other aesthetically unpleasing byproducts of a consumer society. —Brian C. Anderson, National Review, 13 Mar. 2006

She was despised as a hypocrite.

I despise anchovies on pizza, and I refuse to eat them!

Recent Examples on the Web

Suppliers despise the way the company is treating them. —Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press, 2 Dec. 2024

This year’s episode is all about broccoli, including how former President George H.W. Bush despised it. —Cate Martel, The Hill, 27 Nov. 2024

The 62-year-old executive’s ascent to Donald Trump’s Cabinet could, if he were nominated and confirmed, represent a major win for one of the most powerful (and often despised) sectors of finance. —Allison Morrow, CNN, 22 Nov. 2024

To be part of a besieged and even despised minority feels, if not comfortable, at least familiar. —Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin despicere, from de- + specere to look — more at spy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

despise

verb

de·​spise di-ˈspīz 

despised; despising

: to consider as beneath one's notice or respect : feel scorn and dislike for

despiser noun

despisingly adverb