contumely
UK[ˈkɒntjʊməli]US[ˈkɑːntʊməli]
n
Insolent or insulting language or treatment.
Etymology
The word 'contumely' entered English in the late 14th century from the Old French 'contumelie', which itself derives from Latin 'contumelia', meaning 'reproach, insult, affront'. The Latin term is likely related to 'contumax' meaning 'haughty, stubborn', a compound of 'con-' (an intensive prefix) and 'tumere' (to swell up, be proud). Thus, the core logic of the word's evolution is from the literal concept of being puffed up with pride, to the behavior of insolent disdain, and finally to the specific abusive language or treatment that expresses such scorn.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword from Latin. It is not productively formed from separable English morphemes.
Examples
He endured the contumely of the crowd without a word.
The official's report was filled with contumely towards his political opponents.
She resigned her position rather than face further contumely from the board.