Contempt is an attitude towards individuals, social groups, and ideologies that evokes a sense of superiority and the right to judge, amid feelings of disgust and anger. It is a feeling of dislike for and superiority over another person, group of people, and/or ideology. Contempt requires a judgment concerning the appearance or standing of the object of contempt, and it involves the judgment that, because of some moral or personal failing or defect, the contemned person has compromised his or her standing vis-à-vis an interpersonal standard that the contemptor treats as important. Contempt is also a particular way of regarding or attending to the object of contempt, and this form of regard has an unpleasant affective element. The most common trigger for this emotion is immoral action by a person or group of people to whom you feel superior.

Contempt has five features:

• Contempt requires a judgment concerning the appearance or standing of the object of contempt.
• Contempt is a response to a perceived failure to meet an interpersonal standard.
• Contempt is a particular way of regarding or attending to the object of contempt, and this form of regard has an unpleasant affective element.
• Contempt has a certain comparative element.
• The main response of contempt lies within “publicized expression of low regard for the objects held in contempt”.

In the legal context, contempt refers to punishable conduct that disrupts or obstructs an official proceeding or order. Contempt of court is an act of disrespect or disobedience toward a court or interference with its orderly process. Examples include disrupting court proceedings, disobeying a court order, and intimidating witnesses. A contempt order may address behavior both in and outside the courtroom, including public displays of disrespect toward the court. Punishments for contempt include fines, imprisonment, and community service.