abhor
/əb'hɔ:/
Definition
- Verb:
- To regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; to loathe intensely.
- To reject vehemently; to find utterly detestable or morally repulsive.
Usage
- Transitive Verb: "Abhor" is always followed by a direct object (the thing or person that is detested). It expresses a very strong feeling of hatred and disgust.
- Formality: It is a formal and strong word, often used in serious or literary contexts rather than casual conversation.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to abhor the thought of (something)": to find a particular idea or possibility utterly disgusting.
- He abhorred the very thought of betraying his friend's trust.
- "to be abhorrent to (someone)": (using the related adjective) to be hateful or repugnant to someone.
- Such dishonesty is abhorrent to me.
Variants and Related Words
- Abhorrence (noun): A feeling of extreme loathing or disgust.
- She looked at the traitor with abhorrence.
- Abhorrent (adjective): Causing or deserving strong hatred or disgust; repugnant.
- His actions were abhorrent to the community's values.
Synonyms
- Loathe: To feel intense dislike or disgust for.
- Detest: To dislike intensely.
- Despise: To look down on with contempt or intense aversion.
- Execrate: To feel or express great loathing for (very formal).
Antonyms
- Adore: To love and admire deeply.
- Cherish: To hold dear; to feel great affection for.
- Relish: To enjoy greatly.
Related Phrases
- Hold in abhorrence: (Formal phrase) To regard someone or something with intense disgust.
- The tyrant was held in abhorrence by his people.
Verb
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find repugnant
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I loathe that man
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She abhors cats
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