The willful defiance, disregard, or disrespect of judicial or legislative authority or dignity, especially any disobedience of an order or any conduct that disrupts, obstructs, or interferes with the administration or procedures of a court or legislature. See also contemner. civil contempt. Contempt that consists of the failure to comply with a court order that is issued for another's benefit. The usual penalty is the daily imposition of a fine or imprisonment until the person in contempt agr...