Vocabulary Spotlight
Abhor
Part of Speech: Verb
Definition: To regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; to feel intense dislike or hatred for something.
“She abhors cruelty to animals and actively campaigns against animal testing.”
Pronunciation
[æbˈhɔːr]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Loathe
Despise
Hate
Shun
Antonyms
Love
Cherish
Respect
Approve
Related Words
Abhorrent (adjective)
Hate (verb)
Word Origin
“Abhor” comes from the Latin word “abhorrere,” meaning “to shudder away from” or “to recoil from.” The prefix “ab-” means “away,” and “horrere” means “to shudder,” originally suggesting a strong aversion. The word entered Middle English in the 14th century, denoting an intense dislike or hatred.
Word Family
Verb: Abhor – To regard with intense aversion.
Noun: Abhorrence – The feeling of intense disgust.
Adjective: Abhorrent – Inspiring disgust or loathing.
Mnemonics
Think of “Abhor” as “A Bore” – something you strongly dislike, like an incredibly boring activity.
Another mnemonic: “Ab-hor” sounds like “absolutely horrible,” which helps remember it means intense disgust or hatred.
Industry-specific Usage
Psychology
In psychology, “abhor” may describe an aversion disorder, where individuals experience extreme dislike or aversion to certain stimuli, such as foods or sounds.
Law
In legal contexts, “abhor” can be used to describe societal attitudes toward certain crimes or actions, such as abhorrence toward violence.
Sociology
In sociology, “abhor” might describe strong negative feelings within a community toward behaviors considered unacceptable or taboo.
In Context
Abhor conveys an intense, almost visceral dislike or disgust toward a person, action, or concept. Commonly, people use it to express moral aversions or deep emotional responses, such as abhorrence toward injustice or cruelty. In everyday language, it emphasizes a feeling that goes beyond simple dislike.