noun
- stubborn refusal to obey authority or comply with rules, especially in a legal context
Usage: formal; legal
Examples
- The defendant’s contumacy in refusing to appear in court resulted in additional charges.
- His contumacy toward school rules led to his suspension.
- The judge cited her for contumacy after she repeatedly interrupted the proceedings.
- The employee’s contumacy regarding company policies cost him his job.
- Their contumacy in the face of clear orders frustrated the commanding officer.
- The court will not tolerate such contumacy from witnesses.