Contempt facts for kids

Contempt is a very strong feeling of looking down on someone or something. It means you think they are worthless, don't deserve respect, or are beneath you. It's like a mix of intense dislike and disrespect. This feeling can sometimes come from other emotions like resentment, jealousy, or bitterness. When you feel contempt, you might act as if the other person or thing doesn't matter at all.

What is Contempt?

Contempt is more than just disliking someone; it's believing they are inferior or unworthy. It's a powerful emotion that can make people dismiss others' feelings, ideas, or even their very existence. For example, if someone constantly rolls their eyes or sneers when another person speaks, they might be showing contempt. This emotion can be very damaging in relationships because it makes it hard to communicate or solve problems respectfully.

Contempt in Law and Government

The word "contempt" is also used in legal and political situations. Here, it means showing disrespect or disobedience towards a court, a legislative body like a parliament or congress, or their rules and authority.

Contempt of Court

When someone shows contempt of court, it means they have acted in a way that disrespects the authority or dignity of a court of law. This could be by being noisy, refusing to answer questions, ignoring a judge's orders, or disrupting court proceedings. The purpose of having rules against contempt is to make sure that courts can do their job fairly and effectively, without people interfering or ignoring their decisions.

Contempt of Congress or Parliament

Similarly, contempt of Congress (in countries like the United States) or contempt of Parliament (in countries like the United Kingdom or Canada) refers to actions that disrespect the authority or rules of a country's main law-making body. This might happen if someone refuses to provide information when asked by a committee, lies under oath, or tries to stop the legislative body from doing its work. These rules help ensure that governments can investigate issues and make laws without being undermined.

Images for kids

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  This picture of Thomas Ward, arrested for stealing a coin, can be seen as showing contempt.

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  Facial expression of contempt

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  Facial expression showing subtle contempt

See also

In Spanish: Desprecio para niños