'disdain' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'desdaigner,' where 'des-' meant 'apart' and 'daigner' meant 'to deem worthy.'

'desdaigner' transformed into the Middle English word 'disdainen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'disdain.'

Initially, it meant 'to deem unworthy,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to regard with contempt.'