con·tempt (k?n-t?mpt?)n.1. The feeling or attitude of regarding someone or something as inferior, base, or worthless; scorn.2. The state of being despised or dishonored: was held in contempt by his former friends.3. Open disrespect or willful disobedience of the authority of a court of law or legislative body.[Middle English, from Latin contemptus, past participle of contemnere, to despise; see contemn.]American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.contempt (k?n?t?mpt) n1. the attitude or feeling of a person towards a person or thing that he or she considers worthless or despicable; scorn2. the state of being scorned; disgrace (esp in the phrase hold in contempt)3. (Law) wilful disregard of or disrespect for the authority of a court of law or legislative body: contempt of court. [C14: from Latin contemptus a despising, from contemnere to contemn]Collins English Dictionary ? Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014con?tempt (k?n?t?mpt) n. 1. a feeling of disdain for anything considered mean, vile, or worthless; scorn. 2. the state of being despised; disgrace. 3. willful disobedience to or open disrespect for the rules or orders of a court or legislative body: contempt of court. [1350?1400;