rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycontumelyInsulting treatment
noun

contumely

kahn-TOO-muh-lee/kɑnˈtuməli/

Contemptuous speech or treatment meant to humiliate.

Dropping his offered bouquet into the wastebasket is an act of contumely.

An older woman contemptuously drops a man's offered bouquet into a wastebasket while looking directly at him with a sneer; his outstretched hand and wounded expression make the humiliating treatment visible.
Etymology
contumelyLatinreproach, insult

Latin contumelia already meant a reproach or insult. It probably derives from contumax, “haughty” or “insolent,” connecting contemptuous speech or treatment with the speaker's attitude of superiority.

In context

myShakespeare2:21
who would bear the whips and scorns of time oppressors wrong the proud man's contumely the pangs of despised love the laws delay the insolence of office
myShakespeare | Hamlet 3.1 Interview

More examples

  • No employee should have to endure such contumely at work.
  • The editorial heaps contumely on anyone who questions the mayor.
  • His public apology earns him only more contumely from his critics.

Forms

contumely · contumelies

Similar words

insult
Names a specific offensive remark or act, without requiring contempt.
scorn
Emphasizes contempt itself rather than the insulting words or treatment.
abuse
Covers a broader range of verbal or physical mistreatment.