Abomination Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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abomination

[ษ™หŒbษ‘หmษชหˆneษชสƒn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

noun

A thing that causes disgust or hatred.

Synonyms

abhorrence, atrocity, disgrace.

Examples of usage

  • It's an abomination to treat animals so cruelly.
  • The new law was described as an abomination by the protesters.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Religion

  • In many religious texts, certain actions or behaviors are referred to as abominations, often implying moral or spiritual misconduct.
  • For example, in the Bible, certain practices are labeled as abominations, signifying their rejection by God.
  • The concept helps followers identify and avoid actions considered sinful or undesirable according to religious teachings.

Social Commentary

  • The term has been used in social and political discourse to describe actions or policies that are viewed as morally reprehensible.
  • In discussions about human rights, certain forms of discrimination are termed as abominations, highlighting their impact on dignity and justice.
  • Activists often use the term to galvanize support against practices viewed as inhumane or unjust.

Culture and Literature

  • Abominations appear frequently in literature, often symbolizing societal fears or moral failures, such as in Mary Shelleyโ€™s 'Frankenstein'.
  • In folklore, creatures described as abominations often represent the ills of society, showcasing the fear of the unknown or evil.
  • The concept has been portrayed in various films and art forms, using the imagery of the grotesque to challenge viewers' ethics.

Psychology

  • The reaction to an abomination can evoke strong emotional responses, including disgust and anger.
  • Psychologically, the label of 'abomination' can serve as a tool for societal benchmarking, delineating acceptable vs. unacceptable behavior.
  • The feelings surrounding the identification of something as an abomination can impact personal values and group dynamics.

Origin of 'abomination'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'abominari,' which means 'to shun as an evil omen.'
  • It evolved in Middle English, where it meant 'to have a strong dislike.'
  • The roots of the term connect to the prefix 'ab-' meaning 'away' and 'ominare' meaning 'to supply with an omen.'

The word 'abomination' originated in the late 14th century from the Latin word 'abominationem', meaning 'abhorrence'. It has been used throughout history to describe things that are considered detestable or revolting. The term has been commonly used in religious contexts to refer to sinful or immoral acts.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,813, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.