detest
v.v. to hate someone or something very much. You use this when you feel a strong dislike that is hard to explain.
v. to hate intensely or with great dislike. Often implies a visceral or instinctive aversion rather than a rational dislike.
I detest the smell of wet wool.
She detests the way the office manager treats the younger staff, often speaking to them in a condescending tone.
While he claims to be a pacifist, he detests the very idea of a world without a strong central authority to maintain order.
PIE word *tréyes From Middle French detester (French détester), from Latin dētestor (“to imprecate evil while calling the gods to witness", "denounce", "hate intensely”), from dē- + testor (“to testify, bear witness”), from testis (“a witness”); see test, testify. Doublet of detestate.