CONTEMNING

Verb

contemning

present participle of contemn

Source: Wiktionary

CONTEMN

Con*temn", v. t. [imp. & p.p. Contemned; p.pr. & vb.n. Contemning ( or ).] Etym: [L. contemnere, -temptum; con- + temnere to slight, despise: cf. OF. contemner.]

Definition: 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.

– 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition