Definition of "despite" []

• In spite of; notwithstanding: won the game despite overwhelming odds. (preposition)
• Contemptuous defiance or disregard. (noun)
• Spite; malice: "He died soon after . . . of pure despite and vexation” ( Sir Walter Scott). (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "•Some of these have already received billions in bailout money.www. cbsnews.com California's state work force grew despite budget woes and cut promises •despite Gov."
• "The spiritual world of the “African” if one may use the term despite its gross simplification is rich and complex, and his inner life is permeated by a profound religiosity."
• "Sanford gave way to his successor Nikki Haley on Jan. 12, surviving the rest of his term despite lawmakers' calls for him to step down, claiming he had embarrassed the state."