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Disdain   /dɪsdˈeɪn/   Listen
noun
Disdain  n.  
1.
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."
2.
That which is worthy to be disdained or regarded with contempt and aversion. (Obs.) "Most loathsome, filthy, foul, and full of vile disdain."
3.
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)  
1.
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."
2.
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."






Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48








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"Disdain" Quotes from Famous Books



... retain female garments, these usually show some traits of masculine simplicity, and there is nearly always a disdain for the petty feminine artifices of the toilet. Even when this is not obvious, there are all sorts of instinctive gestures and habits which may suggest to female acquaintances the remark that such a person ...
— Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 2 (of 6) • Havelock Ellis

... fraught with painful anticipations, roused my pride to a sharp climax of revolt, disdain and defiance. Miss Dodan should go,—I should urge it. I would applaud and hasten it, there would be no weakness, no supplication, no obstacles on my part. Let death write his inerrant claim to me, let it be recognized; Mr. Dodan ...
— The Certainty of a Future Life in Mars • L. P. Gratacap

... possible.[3] Doubtless the refined sentiment which elevated John the Baptist, Jesus, and St. Paul above the petty ideas of race, did not yet exist; for, by a strange contradiction, these converts were little respected and were treated with disdain.[4] But the idea of a sovereign religion, the idea that there was something in the world superior to country, to blood, to laws—the idea which makes apostles and martyrs—was founded. Profound pity for the pagans, however brilliant might ...
— The Life of Jesus • Ernest Renan

... exclaimed John, with a towering disdain, "you needn't go any further! I know just what malady is throttling you. It's reform—reform! You're going to 'turn over a new leaf,' and all that, and sign the pledge, and quit cigars, and go to work, and pay your debts, and gravitate ...
— Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley • James Whitcomb Riley

... distinguished woman displayed her talents not only in the drawing-room, but before the Senate of Massachusetts. Let us contrast our conduct with that of the Senators and Representatives of Massachusetts who did not disdain to hear her. It was in consequence of her exertions, which received the warmest approval of the National Society, that that interest sprung up which has awakened such an intense feeling throughout America. Then with reference to efficient management, ...
— History of Woman Suffrage, Volume I • Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and Matilda Joslyn Gage


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