Dictionary
con•tempt
Pronunciation: (kun-tempt'), [key]—
n.
1. the feeling with which a person regards anything considered mean, vile, or worthless; disdain; scorn.
2. the state of being despised; dishonor; disgrace.
3. Law.
a. willful disobedience to or open disrespect for the rules or orders of a court
(contempt' of court') or legislative body.
b. an act showing such disrespect.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.