/ dɪˈspaɪz; NAmE / verb
[ vn ] (not used in the progressive tenses) to dislike and have no respect for sb/sth :
She despised gossip in any form.
He despised himself for being so cowardly.
➡ note at hate
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French despire , from Latin despicere , from de- down + specere look at.