Contempt is a feeling of scorn or complete disrespect for someone or something you consider worthless or beneath you. When you feel contempt, you look down on it as if it has no value at all, treating it with disgust or dismissal.

You might see contempt on someone's face when they sneer or curl their lip, showing they think something is disgusting or pathetic. A bully might treat a classmate with contempt, acting as if that person doesn't matter. A skilled craftsperson might view sloppy work with contempt, feeling it insults the very idea of doing things well.

Contempt often involves a sense of superiority. When someone shows contempt for the rules, they act like the rules are beneath them, as if they're too important to follow ordinary expectations. A judge might hold someone in contempt of court when they deliberately disrespect court proceedings by refusing to follow orders or acting rudely.

Contempt is stronger and colder than simple dislike. You might dislike Brussels sprouts, but you'd feel contempt for someone who cheats other kids out of their lunch money. Contempt carries a harsh judgment that someone or something is worthless and deserves scorn.