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View synonyms for despise

despise

[ dih-spahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, de·spised, de·spis·ing.
  1. to regard with contempt, distaste, disgust, or disdain; scorn; loathe.

    Synonyms: detest, contemn

    Antonyms: admire



despise

/ dɪˈspaɪz /

verb

  1. tr to look down on with contempt; scorn

    he despises flattery

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Derived Forms

  • deˈspiser, noun
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Other Words From

  • de·spisa·ble adjective
  • de·spisa·ble·ness noun
  • de·spiser noun
  • de·spising·ly adverb
  • unde·spised adjective
  • unde·spising adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of despise1

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English despisen, from Old French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin dēspicere; despicable
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Word History and Origins

Origin of despise1

C13: from Old French despire, from Latin dēspicere to look down, from de- + specere to look
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Example Sentences

Two months later, Pre died in a car crash, tragically denying him the opportunity to witness the phasing out of the amateur system he so despised.

These are questions he seems to despise, queries that demand he talk about himself.

You have to at least signal that you’re an “analytics” guy even if you despise it.

So the man who despised nursing homes became an accountant for them, using his skills to understand the institutional forces that led to his grandmother not getting care.

Many people will simply refuse to test themselves or their children even if the test is free, harmless, and available at home—after all, some people despise masks and social distancing.

In their elitism and sense of entitlement, they represent much of what liberals are supposed to despise.

I despise it with every fiber of my being, but freedom of speech is vital to our nation.

Just two former bosses at CNN and NBC, the type of networks she professes to despise.

As a hunter with many guns, I despise these bullies and their deceitful shams of wildlife protection.

Not to put too fine a point on it, these two people despise one another.

I find myself chained to the foot of a woman, my noble Cornelia would despise!

He professed both to abominate and despise all mystery, refinement, and intrigue, either in a prince or a minister.

It was a fatal error, for though the Spanish people might despise their King, they were intensely proud of their nationality.

It is not written for grave people who despise trifles and who always require to be instructed.

Your hostess may suppose you despise her fare, if you appear so very choice, or eat too sparingly.

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