disregard / contempt
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disregard / contempt
The deliberate ignoring or failure to follow rules, laws, instructions, or the disparaging treatment of a person. It expresses a lack of respect.
Die Missachtung der Verkehrsregeln führte zu einem schweren Unfall.
The disregard of traffic rules led to a serious accident.
The word consists of the prefix 'miss-' and the noun 'Achtung' (respect). The prefix 'miss-' here expresses negation or something negative, so a lack of respect.
Seine Rede war voller Missachtung für die Meinung anderer.
His speech was full of contempt for the opinions of others.
The thing that is disregarded is normally in the genitive. This structure is typical of formal or written language.
Die Missachtung der Sicherheitsvorschriften kann gefährlich sein.
The disregard of safety regulations can be dangerous.
'Missachtung' (disregard/contempt) is a formal word used mainly in written language, official communications, or legal contexts.
Im offiziellen Schreiben wurde die Missachtung der Fristen kritisiert.
In the official letter, the disregard of the deadlines was criticized.
Common combinations are 'Missachtung der Regeln' (disregard of the rules), 'der Gesetze' (of the laws), 'der Menschenrechte' (of human rights), or 'einer Warnung' (of a warning).
Er wurde für die Missachtung einer direkten Anweisung bestraft.
He was punished for disregarding a direct instruction.
You can almost always recognize the legal meaning from the fixed phrase 'Missachtung des Gerichts' (contempt of court). In this context, the word has a very specific legal meaning.
Dem Zeugen wird Missachtung des Gerichts vorgeworfen, weil er nicht erschienen ist.
The witness is accused of contempt of court because he did not appear.
respect
'Respekt' and 'Missachtung' form a contrast. 'Respekt' means that you take people, rules, or boundaries seriously and behave considerately. 'Missachtung' means that you deliberately ignore something or do not pay attention to it, for example a rule, an instruction, or a person's dignity. 'Missachtung' is not just a lack of politeness; it often clearly shows: I do not care about this, or I do not take it seriously. So 'Respekt' is connected with attention and consideration, while 'Missachtung' is connected with deliberate disregard.
Die Missachtung der Sicherheitsregeln führte bei der Arbeit zu einem Unfall.
The disregard of the safety rules led to an accident at work.
Im Kurs blieb er ruhig, weil ihm Respekt gegenüber den anderen wichtig war.
He stayed calm in the course because respect for the others was important to him.