Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
DESPITE
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French despit, from Latin despectus, from despicere
Date: 13th century
the feeling or attitude of despising ; contempt , malice , spite ,
3. an act showing contempt or defiance, detriment , disadvantage ,
II. transitive verb (despited; despiting)
Date: 14th century
to treat with contempt, to provoke to anger ; vex ,
III. preposition
Date: 15th century
in spite of