abhor

Abhor is a transitive verb meaning to regard with extreme repugnance or disgust, or to feel intense hatred toward something or someone. It conveys a strong moral revulsion rather than mere dislike and is typically reserved for formal or literary contexts. It takes a direct object, as in “I abhor cruelty,” or an -ing clause, as in “I abhor harming others.”

Etymology: The word derives from Old French abhorer, from Latin abhorrēre, meaning “to shrink back” or “to shudder at” (ab- “away” + horrēre “to shudder”). The English form dates to the 14th century and shares a root with the noun horror.

Usage note: Abhor denotes a deep moral disgust and is stronger than detest or dislike. It is commonly used when moral judgments are involved, such as objections to violence, hypocrisy, or cruelty. It can describe a personal feeling or a stance attributed to individuals, groups, or societies, and is often found in formal or rhetorical writing.

Related forms and synonyms: Abhorrent is the common adjective form meaning repugnant; abhorrence is the noun for the feeling itself. Synonyms include detest, hate, loathe, and abominate; antonyms include love, admire, and cherish. Abhor is distinct in its intensity and moral undertone, making it less suited to casual or everyday discourse.