Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - despise

 transitive verb  (~d; despising)  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French despis-, stem of despire, from Latin despicere, from de- + specere to look — more at spy  Date: 14th century  1. to look down on with contempt or aversion ~d the weak  2. to regard as negligible, worthless, or distasteful  • ~ment noun  • ~r noun Synonyms:  ~, contemn, scorn, disdain mean to regard as unworthy of one's notice or consideration. ~ may suggest an emotional response ranging from strong dislike to loathing ~s cowards. contemn implies a vehement condemnation of a person or thing as low, vile, feeble, or ignominious contemns the image of women promoted by advertisers. scorn implies a ready or indignant contempt scorns the very thought of retirement. disdain implies an arrogant or supercilious aversion to what is regarded as unworthy disdained popular music.