detest

[ dih-test ]

verb (used with object)

1. to feel abhorrence of; hate; dislike intensely.

   Synonyms: despise, execrate, abominate, loathe, abhor

   Antonyms: like, love

detest

/ dɪˈtɛst /

verb

1. tr to dislike intensely; loathe

Derived Forms

• deˈtester, noun

Other Words From

• de·tester noun
• unde·tested adjective
• unde·testing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of detest¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French detester, from Latin dētestārī “to call down a curse upon, loathe,” equivalent to dē- de- + testārī “to bear witness”; testate

Word History and Origins

Origin of detest¹

C16: from Latin dētestārī to curse (while invoking a god as witness), from de- + testārī to bear witness, from testis a witness

Synonym Study

See hate.

Example Sentences

The fact is, the leaders of Israel’s Sunni Arab neighbors have never really cared much about the plight of the Palestinians, and they downright detest the radical Islamists of Hamas.

From Slate

Joe Biden and Donald Trump — who plainly detest each other — wouldn’t deign to shake hands.

From Los Angeles Times

“When Iran is finally free—and that moment will come a lot sooner than people think—everything will be different,” he said in a video directed to the Iranian people, many of whom do detest their rulers.

From Slate

Wildland firefighters detest chaparral for its ability to burn with untamable ferocity when driven by Santa Ana or sundowner winds.

From Los Angeles Times

So can a bridge be built between those who detest the love locks, and those who want them to stay in Bakewell?

From BBC

Related Words

• abhor
• despise
• loathe