# loathe

/ˈɫoʊð/ (US) · /lˈəʊð/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/loathe
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to hate someone or something very much. You use this when you feel a strong sense of disgust or dislike.

For teachers: to feel intense dislike or disgust for someone or something. Often implies a deep-seated or visceral aversion.

## Examples

- I loathe the taste of raw onions.
- They loathe each other so much that they cannot even stay in the same room for five minutes.
- While some critics admired the director's bold visual style, others seemed to loathe the film for its perceived lack of emotional depth and excessive violence.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I loathe to do housework" but "I loathe doing housework" — Loathe is typically followed by a gerund (-ing form) rather than an infinitive to express a general dislike.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. It is often followed by a gerund (e.g., 'loathe doing something').

---

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.