轻侮 is a formal, literary verb meaning 'to disdain' or 'to treat with contempt.' It combines 轻 (qīng), which means 'light' or 'slight,' and 侮 (wǔ), meaning 'to insult' or 'to humiliate.' Together, they convey the idea of dismissing someone or something as unworthy of serious attention—less about overt aggression and more about condescending disregard. The word emphasizes an attitude of superiority and moral or intellectual dismissal.

It appears most often in written Chinese—essays, historical texts, political commentary, or moral exhortations—and is rarely used in casual speech. While it can refer to people (e.g., disrespecting elders or scholars), it may also apply to ideas, traditions, or values deemed worthy of reverence. Because of its strong negative connotation and formal register, using 轻侮 in everyday conversation would sound overly stern or archaic.