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Definition of despise

despise

/dɪˈspaɪz/
de · spise
Adverb:despicably
•
Adjective:despicable
•
Past Simple:despised
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Past Participle:despised
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Present Participle:despising
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despise Lexical Profile

despise Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To feel a deep contempt, hatred, or strong aversion for someone or something.

Example

"She grew to despise the dishonesty and hypocrisy she witnessed in the corporate office."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for despise

• Nearby Words

desperation
despicable
despicably
despise
despiser
despite
despondence

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'despisier', from Latin 'despicere', literally meaning 'to look down upon', formed from 'de-' (down) and 'specere' (to look at).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Despise. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/despise
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