contempt

noun | \ kən-ˈtempt \ | con·tempt
  1. : willful disobedience or open disrespect of the orders, authority, or dignity of a court or judge acting in a judicial capacity by disruptive language or conduct or by failure to obey the court's orders; also : the offense of contempt — called also contempt of court : the offense of contempt — called also contempt of court

    — civil contempt
    : contempt that consists of disobedience to a court order in favor of the opposing party Note: The sanctions for civil contempt end upon compliance with the order.

    — constructive contempt
    : indirect contempt in this entry

    — criminal contempt
    : contempt consisting of conduct that disrupts or opposes the proceedings or power of the court Note: The sanctions for criminal contempt are designed to punish as well as to coerce compliance.

    — direct contempt
    : contempt committed in the presence of the court or in a location close enough to disrupt the court's proceedings

    — indirect contempt
    : contempt (as disobedience of a court order) that occurs outside of the presence of the court

  1. : willful disobedience to a lawful order of or willful obstruction of a legislative body in the course of exercising its powers contempt of Congress