Abhor: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to express a deep, often moral or ethical, revulsion. Typically, it reflects a strong detestation or aversion towards something considered deeply wrong or offensive.

• I abhor violence in any form.
• She abhors cruelty to animals.

Conveys a strong dislike or hatred, often without the moral or ethical connotations that 'abhor' carries. It's commonly used in everyday contexts.

• I detest waking up early.
• She detests seafood.

Implies looking down on someone or something as inferior or worthless. It's often used in contexts where the feeling of disapproval is coupled with disdain.

• He despises people who are dishonest.
• She despises doing the chores.

Indicates a deep-seated, intense aversion or disgust, often stronger than 'detest' and 'despise'. It carries a sense of repugnance.

• He loathes doing taxes.
• She loathes the taste of spinach.

A very strong word used to express intense dislike or animosity towards someone or something. It can be used broadly and in both serious or casual situations.

• I hate when people are late.
• They hate each other ever since the incident.

Expresses strong hatred or disgust for something.

• She abhors violence in any form.
• He abhors the way people treat animals in the factory farms.

Expresses refusal to accept, consider, or submit to something.

• The committee decided to reject the proposal.
• She rejected his offer to help with a polite but firm 'no'.

Formally and strongly denies or refuses something, often used in legal or official contexts.

• The politician chose to repudiate the controversial statements made by his campaign staff.
• He repudiated the accusations of fraud during the interview.

Deliberately avoids or keeps away from something or someone, often because of disapproval.

• After the scandal, colleagues and friends began to shun him.
• She decided to shun social media to focus on her mental health.