Noun

(uncountable) a distrustful attitude

David T Wolf: "Idealism is what precedes experience; cynicism is what follows."

(uncountable) an emotion of jaded negativity, or a general distrust of the integrity or professed motives of other people. Cynicism can manifest itself by frustration, disillusionment and distrust in regard to organizations, authorities and other aspects of society, often due to previous bad experience. Cynics often view others as motivated solely by disguised self-interest.

(countable) a skeptical, scornful or pessimistic comment or act

Noun

Act of treating with disdain.

* {{quote-news

, year=2011 , date=December 15 , author=Felicity Cloake , title=How to cook the perfect nut roast , work=Guardian citation , page= , passage=One of the darlings of the early vegetarian movement (particularly in its even sadder form, the cutlet), it was on the menu at John Harvey Kellogg's Battle Creek Sanitarium [sic], and has since become the default Sunday option for vegetarians – and a default source of derision for everyone else.}}

* 1969 , , The Godfather :

There was just a touch of derision in the Don's voice and Hagen flushed.