despise

[dih-spahyz]

verb (used with object)

despised, despising 

1. to regard with contempt, distaste, disgust, or disdain; scorn; loathe.

   Synonyms: detest, contemn
   Antonyms: admire

despise

/ dɪˈspaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to look down on with contempt; scorn

   he despises flattery

Other Word Forms

• despiser noun
• despisable adjective
• despisableness noun
• despisingly adverb
• undespised adjective
• undespising adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of despise¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English despisen, from Old French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin dēspicere; despicable

Word History and Origins

Origin of despise¹

C13: from Old French despire, from Latin dēspicere to look down, from _de- + specere to look

Example Sentences

And so is one of Deion Sanders’ sons, but not the one so many folks seem to love to despise.

From Los Angeles Times

There were moments where I just despised him, just didn’t want to be around him.

From Los Angeles Times

Matthew Tragesser, a spokesperson from US Citizenship and Immigration Services, said in a statement: "America's benefits should not be given to those who despise the country and promote anti-American ideologies."

From BBC

Compare that to the recently silent Chansiri, who so far this summer has refused to engage with supporters, with the 57-year-old now despised by many.

From BBC

Feminists were always skeptical, noting that many abortion opponents also despise IVF, because what motivates them is not “babies” but a desire to strip women of control over their bodies and lives.

From Salon

Related Words

• abhor 
• deride 
• detest 
• disdain 
• eschew 
• hate 
• loathe 
• neglect 
• reject 
• repudiate 
• revile 
• scorn 
• shun 
• snub 
• undervalue