I. də̇sˈd]ān, də̇ˈst] sometimes də̇zˈd]\ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English dedeyn, disdeigne, from Old French desdaing, desdeing, from desdeignier
1. : a feeling of contempt and aversion for something regarded as unworthy of or beneath one : haughty indifference or insolence : scorn , contempt
disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes — Shakespeare
2. obsolete : keen resentment due to injured pride : indignation
3. obsolete : something that provokes contempt
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English desdeynen, from Middle French desdeignier, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin disdignare, from Latin dis- dis- (I) + dignare to consider worthy — more at deign
intransitive verb
1. : to experience disdain
let us in America not disdain — D.M.Friedenberg
2. obsolete : to take offense : feel indignation or distaste
transitive verb
1.
a. : to look with scorn on
did not disdain that rich rolling land
disdained him for the coward he was
b. : to be unwilling because of disdain — used with a following infinitive
he disdained to cheat her
we might well disdain to have any part in this affair
c. : to treat with contempt as being of little worth or consequence or as unworthy of oneself
disdained shooting the unarmed fleeing men — Time
disdaining snakes, insects, and other hazards of the trip
2. archaic : to incite to scorn or anger : offend
Synonyms: see despise