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To regard with disgust and hatred.
synonyms:detestloathe
The word 'abhor' comes from the Latin 'abhorrere', which means 'to shudder away from'. It made its way into English during the late 14th century.
This word is often used in everyday language to express strong feelings of aversion or dislike, making it suitable for both casual and formal contexts.
While 'abhor' is not used in daily conversation as frequently as common verbs, it appears often in literature, formal writing, and discussions about ethics and morality.
Many people abhor the idea of animal cruelty and advocate for animal rights.
She abhors dishonesty in any form, believing that truth is fundamental to relationships.
The community abhors the pollution of their local rivers, leading to numerous clean-up initiatives.
The word 'abhor' carries a strong emotional charge, encapsulating feelings of disgust and revulsion towards something. Its roots in Latin highlight a physical reaction—shuddering away from something repulsive. This makes 'abhor' a powerful word to express deep-seated feelings of dislike, often reserved for topics like injustice or moral failings. Next time you want to convey your strong aversion to something, consider using 'abhor' for maximum impact!