con·temn transitive verb (contemned ; contemned \-təmd\ ; contemning \-temiŋ sometimes -temniŋ\ ; contemns) Etymology: Middle English contempnen, from Middle French contempner, contemner, from Latin contemnere, from com- + temnere to slight, despise — more at stamp : to view or treat with contempt as mean and despicable : reject with disdain : despise, scorn < those who have contemned its visual art — David Sylvester > Synonyms:see despise