Scorn

/skɔrn/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The feeling or belief that someone or something is worthless or despicable; contempt.
His scorn for the rules was evident in his behavior.
An expression of contempt or derision.
She looked at him with scorn when he suggested that he could do it alone.
verb
To feel or express contempt or derision for; to disdain.
She scorned his attempt to apologize, believing he didn't mean it.
To reject or refuse something with disdain.
He scorned the idea of working with them after they betrayed his trust.

Etymology

Middle English 'scornen', from Old French 'escarnir' meaning to mock.

Common Phrases and Expressions

look down on
To regard someone as inferior.
speak scornfully
To speak in a way that expresses disdain or contempt.
scorned by peers
Being rejected or despised by one's peers.

Related Words

disdain
The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration.
contempt
The feeling that a person or a thing is beneath consideration.

Slang Meanings

To diss someone or something.
He totally scorned that idea at the meeting.
To reject or ridicule.
She got scorned by her friends for suggesting the lame movie.