abhor

Pronunciation: verb. Synonyms: loathe, despise, abominate

verb

Difficulty: common

Definition of abhor

To regard with deep and intense hatred or disgust; to detest vehemently.

Origin of abhor

Language of origin: Latin

Root word: abhorrere

Original meaning: to shudder or shrink back from

How it evolved: Originally meant to recoil in fear or horror, later evolving to signify intense dislike or detestation.

Derived from Latin 'abhorrere,' meaning 'to shrink back in horror,' reflecting the visceral nature of hatred or disgust.

First known use: 15th century

How to Remember abhor

Think of 'abhor' as 'ABsolutely HORrible,' which is how you feel about something you deeply hate.

Synonyms for abhor

  • loathe
  • detest
  • despise
  • abominate
  • execrate
  • revile
  • shun
  • recoil from

Antonyms of abhor

abhor in a Sentence

  1. She abhors dishonesty in all its forms, preferring brutal honesty over comforting lies.
  2. Many people abhor the idea of injustice, striving tirelessly to create a fairer society.
  3. He abhors the very thought of failure, channeling his energy into meticulous preparation.

abhor in Literature & Culture

The word 'abhor' is often used in literature and speeches to emphasize moral outrage, such as in abolitionist rhetoric or critiques of unethical practices.

Usage Notes

While 'abhor' is a strong term, it is often used in formal or dramatic contexts. Be cautious not to confuse it with 'detest,' which is more common in everyday language.

Why abhor Matters for GRE & SAT

The word 'abhor' frequently appears on the GRE to test a student's ability to recognize nuanced synonyms and understand strong emotional connotations.

Word Family

abhorrent (adjective)
Inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant.
abhorrence (noun)
A feeling of repulsion or intense dislike.
abhorrently (adverb)
In a manner that inspires disgust or intense hatred.

Did You Know?

  • The word 'abhor' was famously used by Shakespeare in 'The Tempest': 'Abhorred slave, which any print of goodness wilt not take.'
  • It shares its root with 'horrible,' emphasizing the connection to fear and revulsion.
  • The word has been used in legal and political contexts to express condemnation of injustice or tyranny.

Related Words

More Vocabulary Words Starting with A

  • abate — decrease in intensity; lessen
  • aberrant — deviating from what is normal or expected
  • aberration — A departure from what is normal or expected
  • abet — assist or encourage, usually in wrongdoing
  • abeyance — suspension; temporary suppression
  • abide — tolerate, follow, or accept
  • abject — most unfortunate or miserable
  • abjure — strongly reject (an idea); forgo
  • abound — [{"type":"paragraph","children":[{"text":"Plenty."}]}]
  • abrasive — overly aggressive and causing irritation