Loathing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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loathing

[ˈləʊðɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of intense dislike

Loathing is a strong feeling of hatred or disgust towards someone or something. It is a deep aversion or repugnance towards a person, group, or thing.

Synonyms

aversion, disgust, hatred, repugnance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loathing	This word is best used to describe a feeling of intense dislike or disgust, often with an element of deep emotional impact. Her loathing for the corrupt politician was palpable. He felt a sense of loathing whenever he saw the abandoned factory.
hatred	Hatred is used to describe an intense, deep-seated aversion or hostility towards someone or something. It often implies a desire to cause harm. His hatred for his enemy knew no bounds. She could not hide her hatred towards the injustice she witnessed.
disgust	This word is used to describe a strong physical or emotional repulsion, often involving a sense of nausea or distaste. The smell of rotten food filled her with disgust. He looked at the crime scene with undisguised disgust.
aversion	Use 'aversion' to talk about a strong dislike or unwillingness to do something. It's usually milder than 'loathing' and can apply to activities, objects, or even foods. He has a strong aversion to spiders. She developed an aversion to junk food after learning about its health effects.
repugnance	Repugnance describes a strong feeling of disgust or aversion, often to something morally or ethically offensive. It can also imply a reaction of strong disapproval. She felt repugnance at the idea of animal cruelty. The repugnance in his eyes was evident when he spoke about the corruption.

Examples of usage

I could sense the loathing in his eyes as he looked at me.
She couldn't hide her loathing for the new policy.
The loathing she felt towards her ex-husband was palpable.
His loathing for injustice fueled his activism.
The loathing between the rival gangs was evident in their interactions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

intense feeling of disgust

Loathing can also refer to an intense feeling of disgust or revulsion towards someone or something. It is a strong distaste or detestation.

Synonyms

abhorrence, detestation, disgust, revulsion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
loathing	Use this word for a strong feeling of hatred or disgust towards something or someone, often sustained over time. She felt loathing for the corrupt politician His loathing of spiders made him avoid the garden
disgust	This word is appropriate for expressing a strong physical or emotional reaction to something offensive, unpleasant, or distasteful. The smell of rotten food filled him with disgust She looked at the dirty room with disgust
revulsion	This word is best used to indicate a sudden and strong feeling of disgust or repulsion, often triggered by a specific action or event. He felt a sense of revulsion when he saw the crime scene Her revulsion was clear when she saw the bug
detestation	Use this word to describe an intense aversion or hatred that often involves a personal element or deep emotional reaction. His detestation for lying made him distrustful of many people She expressed her detestation for the policy loudly
abhorrence	This word is suitable for expressing a deep-seated, intense dislike or hatred, often with a moral implication. Her abhorrence of violence is well-known The community's abhorrence for the crime was evident in their reaction

Examples of usage

The sight of blood filled her with loathing.
His loathing for the smell of fish made dining out a challenge.
She spoke with such loathing that it sent shivers down my spine.
The loathing he felt for spiders was irrational but overwhelming.
His loathing of the taste of mushrooms was well known among his friends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Loathing can often be linked to past negative experiences, shaping one’s feelings toward specific triggers.
This intense dislike can activate stress responses in the body, like increased heart rate and tension.
Feeling loathing might indicate deeper issues, such as unresolved trauma or anxiety.

Literature

In literature, characters often express loathing to highlight conflicts or emotional struggles.
Classic tales sometimes depict loathing as a catalyst for change, pushing characters to confront their fears.
Famous works, like Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein,' explore loathing in the context of societal rejection and alienation.

Pop Culture

Many songs and movies explore themes of loathing, emphasizing personal struggles and confrontations.
Reality TV often showcases human loathing, creating drama around contestants who can't stand each other.
Famous phrases like 'Love and loathe' play on the idea that strong feelings often coexist in relationships.

Philosophy

Philosophers have discussed loathing as a moral reaction against unacceptable behavior.
Some believe loathing can be seen as a sign of a person's values and ethical boundaries.
In existentialism, feelings of loathing might arise from a confrontation with the absurdity of life.

Origin of 'loathing'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from Old English 'loathian,' which means to hate or feel disgust.
It shares roots with the word 'loathe,' which emphasizes strong aversion or hatred.
Historically, the usage can be traced back to the 14th century, reflecting deep feelings of repulsion.

The word 'loathing' has its origins in Middle English, coming from the Old English word 'lathian' meaning 'to hate.' Over time, the word evolved to 'loathing' with a similar meaning of intense dislike or disgust. The concept of loathing has been present throughout history in various forms, often associated with strong negative emotions towards certain individuals, groups, or ideas.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,719, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19716 hoary
19717 enjoining
19718 incompletely
19719 loathing
19720 demurred
19721 inconsequential
19722 quivered
...