Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Contemn \Con*temn"\ (k[o^]n*t[e^]m"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Contemned} (-t[e^]md); p. pr. & vb. n. {Contemning}
   (-t[e^]m"n[i^]ng or -t[e^]m"[i^]ng).] [L. contemnere,
   -temptum; con- + temnere to slight, despise: cf. OF.
   contemner.]
   To view or treat with contempt, as mean and despicable; to
   reject with disdain; to despise; to scorn.

         Thy pompous delicacies I contemn.        --Milton.

         One who contemned divine and human laws. --Dryden.

   Syn: To despise; scorn; disdain; spurn; slight; neglect;
        underrate; overlook.

   Usage: To {Contemn}, {Despise}, {Scorn}, {Disdain}. Contemn
          is the generic term, and is applied especially to
          objects, qualities, etc., which are deemed
          contemptible, and but rarely to individuals; to
          despise is to regard or treat as mean, unbecoming, or
          worthless; to scorn is stronger, expressing a quick,
          indignant contempt; disdain is still stronger,
          denoting either unwarrantable pride and haughtiness or
          an abhorrence of what is base.