Words / C2

uhb-HOR/əbˈhɔː/

To abhor is to hate something because you think it is morally wrong: abhor cruelty, abhor hypocrisy. Hate is everyday; loathe is a close synonym, often more personal; detest is strong but not always moral. Abhorrence is the noun; abhorrent is the adjective (abhorrent to). Formal, almost biblical in tone. In speech, cannot stand or find it morally disgusting is enough. Abhor judges the thing as wicked, not merely annoying. Do not abhor a mild delay.

Meaning

To hate something because you think it is morally wrong.

Examples

• “She abhors cruelty to animals.”
• “She abhors cruelty to animals and will not fund the circus trip.”
• “The committee found the proposal abhorrent, not merely impractical.”

Good to know

Hate on moral grounds (formal). Everyday: hate / cannot stand. Close: loathe. Noun: abhorrence. Adjective: abhorrent (to). Not a synonym for dislike.

Near in meaning

loathe

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