# abhorred

/əbˈhɔɹd/ (US) · /ɐbhˈɔːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abhorred
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to hate something very strongly. You use this when you feel a deep, personal dislike for a person or an action.

For teachers: to regard with intense dislike or hatred. Often used to express a moral or emotional revulsion toward a specific behavior or person.

## Examples

- He abhorred the idea of lying to his friends.
- The local community abhorred the construction of the new highway through the protected forest.
- The philosopher argued that the state should abhor any form of systemic injustice, even when such principles might conflict with the immediate interests of the ruling class.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.