detest

[dih-test]

verb (used with object)

1. to feel abhorrence of; hate; dislike intensely.

   Synonyms: despise, execrate, abominate, loathe, abhor
   Antonyms: like, love

detest

/ dɪˈtɛst /

verb

1. (tr) to dislike intensely; loathe

Other Word Forms

• detester noun
• undetested adjective
• undetesting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detest¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French detester, from Latin dētestārī “to call down a curse upon, loathe,” equivalent to dē- de- + testārī “to bear witness”; testate

Word History and Origins

Origin of detest¹

C16: from Latin dētestārī to curse (while invoking a god as witness), from _de- + testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness

Synonym Study

See hate.

Example Sentences

While their characters seem to detest every ounce of each other - "I like that he has arms", Colman's character says during one marriage counselling session - the actors are both happily married in real life.

From BBC

"I was not a supporter of British imperialism, in fact I detested it," Yavar tells me.

From BBC

George Orwell detested the sermons that came with tea and bread when he was destitute in London.

From Salon

For over 20 years, there has not been a single NHL player I detested more than Corey Perry, especially when he played for that other local team.

From Los Angeles Times

She wants revenge without dwelling on its cause or her trauma — a word Hester would surely detest.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abhor 
• despise 
• loathe