DISDAIN • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Disdain

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/dɪsdˈeɪn/ Listen

noun

Disdain n.

A feeling of contempt and aversion; the regarding anything as unworthy of or beneath one; scorn. "How my soul is moved with just disdain!" Note: Often implying an idea of haughtiness. "Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes."

That which is worthy to be disdained or regarded with contempt and aversion. (Obs.) "Most loathsome, filthy, foul, and full of vile disdain."

The state of being despised; shame. (Obs.)

Synonyms: Haughtiness; scorn; contempt; arrogance; pride. See Haughtiness.

verb

Disdain v. t. (past & past part. disdained; pres. part. disdaining)

To think unworthy; to deem unsuitable or unbecoming; as, to disdain to do a mean act. "Disdaining... that any should bear the armor of the best knight living."

To reject as unworthy of one's self, or as not deserving one's notice; to look with scorn upon; to scorn, as base acts, character, etc. "When the Philistine... saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth." "'T is great, 't is manly to disdain disguise."

Synonyms: To contemn; despise; scorn. See Contemn.

Disdain v. i. To be filled with scorn; to feel contemptuous anger; to be haughty. "And when the chief priests and scribes saw the marvels that he did... they disdained."

See images of 'Disdain'

Etymology of 'Disdain'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Disdain" Quotes from Famous Books

... his enslaved people touched Moses unto tears, and he spoke, saying: "Woe unto me for your anguish! Rather would I die than see you suffer so grievously." He did not disdain to help his unfortunate brethren at their heavy tasks as much as lay in his power. He dismissed all thought of his high station at court, shouldered a share of the burdens put upon the Israelites, and toiled in their place. The result ...

— The Legends of the Jews Volume 1 • Louis Ginzberg

... before the immense press and was measuring it with her fiery glance, as if to take it by assault, to sack it, to destroy it, in spite of the withered and fragile thinness of her eighty years. Then, with a gesture of ironical disdain: ...

— Doctor Pascal • Emile Zola

... yes; I'm returned," said Mr Palliser, speaking with something like disdain in his voice as to the possibility of anybody having stood with a chance of success against him in his own family borough. For a full appreciation of the advantages of a private seat in the House of Commons let us always go to those great ...

— Can You Forgive Her? • Anthony Trollope

... go away with looks of hatred and disdain within his eyes, and when I called them Butterflies of Gay Nippon, he gave an ejaculation of great disgust, as at this time he is not o'erfond of the Japanese. He believes, along with others, that they are helping the ...

— My Lady of the Chinese Courtyard • Elizabeth Cooper

... yoke-fellow a fable. Let them come and see in the corner of the stable one of these poor beasts, thin and wasted, restlessly lashing his lean flanks with his tail, violently breathing with mingled terror and disdain on the food offered him, his eyes always turned toward the door, scratching with his hoof the empty place at his side, sniffing the yokes and chains which his fellow used to wear, and incessantly calling him with melancholy lowings. ...

— The Devil's Pool • George Sand

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