v.
Pronunciation: k ə n- ' tem
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English contempnen, from Middle French contempner, from Latin contemnere, from com- + temnere to despise
Date: 15th century
: to view or treat with contempt : SCORN
synonyms see DESPISE
– con · tem · ner also con · tem · nor \ - ' tem-n ə r, - ' te-m ə r \ noun