scorn
UK[skɔːn]US[skɔːrn]
n
a very strong feeling of no respect for someone or something that you think is stupid or worthless.
v
to show that you think someone or something is stupid or worthless.
Etymology
the word 'scorn' entered english in the 12th century from old french 'escarn', meaning mockery or derision. this old french term is believed to have germanic origins, likely from a frankish source akin to old high german 'skern', which meant mockery or jest. the underlying sense is one of treating something with contemptuous laughter or mockery. the meaning evolved from the act of mocking to the feeling of contempt itself, solidifying into its modern sense of a strong feeling of disrespect for something considered despicable or unworthy.
Analysis
the word 'scorn' is a simplex word of old french origin. it does not contain separable morphemes in modern english.
Examples
she looked at him with cold scorn.
he scorned the idea of asking for help.
the proposal was met with scorn from the scientific community.