abhorrent

[ ab-hawr-uhnt, -hor- ]

adjective

1. causing repugnance; detestable; loathsome:

   an abhorrent deed.

   Synonyms: abominable, shocking

2. utterly opposed, or contrary, or in conflict (usually followed by to ):

   abhorrent to reason.

3. feeling extreme repugnance or aversion (usually followed by of ):

   abhorrent of waste.

4. remote in character (usually followed by from ):

   abhorrent from the principles of law.

abhorrent

/ əbˈhɒrənt /

adjective

1. repugnant; loathsome
2. whenpostpositive, foll by of feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for)

   abhorrent of vulgarity

3. usuallypostpositive and foll by to conflicting (with)

   abhorrent to common sense

Derived Forms

• abˈhorrently, adverb

Other Words From

• ab·horrent·ly adverb
• unab·horrent·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of abhorrent¹

First recorded in 1610–20, abhorrent is from the Latin word abhorrent- (stem of abhorrēns, present participle of abhorrēre ). See abhor, -ent

Example Sentences

But one description was abhorrent on a level far above politics: “Aspergery.”

From The Daily Beast

To be clear, what Peterson (allegedly) did is abhorrent and almost beyond comprehension.

From The Daily Beast

In that interview, Paul made it a point to frequently note how he finds discrimination “abhorrent.”

From The Daily Beast

But I have never met someone who actually confronts people for their abhorrent behavior after the workplace bullying is over.

From The Daily Beast

Still, the whole thing is so abhorrent that hardly anyone is waiting for the tape to be verified.

From The Daily Beast

"I cannot tell you, Fina," said Leam, to whom falsehoods were abhorrent and the truth impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

But to Bierce's mind, "noble and nude and antique," this mid-Victorian draping and bedecking of "unpleasant truths" was abhorrent.

From Project Gutenberg

Because it is a law abhorrent to the moral and religious sentiments of a vast majority of the community called upon to enforce it.

From Project Gutenberg

Yet, in some indescribable way, she reminded him of Nancy, and the notion was so grotesque and abhorrent that he shuddered.

From Project Gutenberg

But let us do justice to those who shun such abhorrent spectacles, and who cannot endure to look upon an execution.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• despicable
• loathsome
• repulsive