abhor
to detest or loathe intenselyShe abhors violence in any form.
She strongly dislikes or hates violence.
to regard with extreme disgust or hatred
Many people abhor the idea of animal cruelty.
Many people strongly dislike or hate the idea of animal cruelty.
He abhors dishonesty above all else.
He detests dishonesty more than anything.
Often used in formal or literary contexts to express strong moral or ethical disapproval.
Collocations
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Formal Usage
'Abhor' is more formal and intense than 'hate'. Use it to express strong moral or ethical disapproval.
Gold Rule
Intensity
'Abhor' conveys a stronger and more formal sense of disgust or hatred than 'hate' or 'dislike'.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'abhorren', from Old French 'abhorrer', from Latin 'abhorrēre' meaning 'to shrink from in horror'.
Usage Notes
The word 'abhor' is more formal and intense than 'hate' or 'dislike'. It is often used to express moral or ethical disapproval.