Abominate: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'abominari', meaning 'to shun as an ill omen'.
• It combines 'a-' (meaning away) with 'ominari' (to predict or foretell), suggesting a rejection of bad signs.
• In the late 15th century, it appeared in English usage, often in the context of strong moral objection.

Literature

• In Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein', the creature is abominated by society, highlighting themes of rejection and isolation.
• The term is often used in poetry to express deep-seated aversions, allowing authors to convey intense emotions.
• Famous works by writers like Charles Dickens utilize the concept to depict characters’ overt disdain for societal norms.

Psychology

• Dislike, or abomination, can trigger a strong emotional response, often linked to fear or a sense of threat.
• People may abominate certain behaviors that conflict with their moral beliefs, which can lead to social ostracism.
• Understanding what we abominate can reveal values and priorities, as it often stems from personal experiences.

Cultural Usage

• In various cultures, certain practices are abominated due to differing ethical views, emphasizing the subjectivity of morality.
• The term often arises in discussions about social justice, where actions deemed harmful are abominated by advocates.
• Political discourse frequently employs the term to express severe disagreement with policies or ideologies.

Pop Culture

• Abomination is a common term in horror films, where monstrous characters evoke feelings of fear and disgust.
• In video games, players often encounter 'abominable' creatures, representing ultimate foes that must be defeated.
• Reality TV sometimes features instances of abomination as contestants express extreme dislike for each other's tactics.

Ranking #37,306, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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