1
Core action
Regard something with intense hatred, disgust, or moral repugnance.
Example
She abhors cruelty in every form.
abhor
/əbˈhɔːr/ · ab-HORverb
Regard something with intense hatred, disgust, or moral repugnance.
Use abhor to express this relationship precisely: regard something with intense hatred, disgust, or moral repugnance.
What abhor Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
The reformers abhorred the use of torture.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
To criticize a policy is not necessarily to abhor its supporters.
Use abhor Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
She abhors cruelty in every form.
The reformers abhorred the use of torture.
To criticize a policy is not necessarily to abhor its supporters.
Precision Matters
Abhor overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
abhor
vs.Means regard something with intense hatred, disgust, or moral repugnance.
venerate
Means regard or treat someone or something with profound respect, reverence, or devotion.
abhor
vs.Means regard something with intense hatred, disgust, or moral repugnance.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
abhor
vs.Means regard something with intense hatred, disgust, or moral repugnance.
condone
Means accept, excuse, or allow behaviour that is considered wrong, often by failing to condemn or prevent it.
abhor
vs.Means regard something with intense hatred, disgust, or moral repugnance.
scorn
Means a feeling or expression of contemptuous disrespect and intense dislike.
Test abhor in Context
The practice inspires intense hatred and moral disgust.
1
The physician came to ___ the cruel experiments performed without consent.