Definition of: despite

(di·spīt′) noun
1. An act of defiance, malice, or injury.
2. Extreme malice; hatred; spite.
3. Obs. Defiance. See synonyms under SCORN noun
—in despite of Notwithstanding; in opposition or contradiction to: He seized my hand in despite of my efforts to the contrary.
—prep. In spite of; notwithstanding: They will fight on, despite impediments. See synonyms under NOTWITHSTANDING. Also de·spight′.
—v.t. ·spit·ed, ·spit·ing Obs.
1. To despise.
2. To offend. [<OF despit <L despectus a looking down, contempt <despicere. See DESPISE.]