Disdain
/dɪsˈdeɪn/noun
A feeling or expression of contempt or scorn.
Did you know?Disdain comes through Old French from Latin de- + dignari, tied to the same root as dignity, so contempt and honor are literally split from one ancient idea of worth.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
dēdignārī
“to deem unworthy; to refuse to condescend to”
Old French
Old French
desdeignier
“to scorn, reject as unworthy”
Middle English
English
disdeinen
“to scorn, disdain”
14th Century
English
disdain
“contempt, scorn”
Modern English
English
disdain
“a feeling or expression of contempt or scorn”