detested

Detested is an English adjective formed from the verb detest. It describes something or someone that is intensely disliked or held in strong aversion. It is stronger than simply disliked and is often used to express deep moral or emotional condemnation, as in political, social, or personal contexts.

Etymology: from Latin detestare, detest- “to detest,” via Old French detester, entering English in the Middle English period. The word shares roots with detest and denotes active abhorrence rather than passive dislike.

Usage: used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb; common collocations include “detested by,” “a detested policy,” and “detested by the public.” The intensity can convey strong moral judgment and may be perceived as pejorative. It should be distinguished from milder terms like disliked or unpopular. Examples: The detested tax reform faced widespread protests. The detested dictator remained a focus of international condemnation.

See also: detest; synonyms such as abhorrence, revulsion; antonyms such as beloved, cherished.