I. ˈskȯrn noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French escharne, escar, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German scern jest
Date: 13th century
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
II. verb
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
: to treat with scorn : reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy
scorn ed local traditions
scorn ed to reply to the charge
intransitive verb
: to show disdain or derision : scoff
Synonyms: see despise
• scorn·er noun