abhorrent

American  

[ab-hawr-uhnt, -hor-] / æbˈhɔr ənt, -ˈhɒr- /

adjective

1. causing repugnance; detestable; loathsome.

   an abhorrent deed.

   Synonyms:

   abominable, shocking

2. utterly opposed, or contrary, or in conflict (usually followed byto ).

   abhorrent to reason.

3. feeling extreme repugnance or aversion (usually followed byof ).

   abhorrent of waste.

4. remote in character (usually followed byfrom ).

   abhorrent from the principles of law.

---

abhorrent British  

/ əbˈhɒrənt /

adjective

1. repugnant; loathsome

2. feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for)

   abhorrent of vulgarity

3. conflicting (with)

   abhorrent to common sense

---

Other Word Forms

• abhorrently adverb
• unabhorrently adverb

Etymology

Origin of abhorrent

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

Explanation

Many people find cruelty toward animals abhorrent, that is, they think it's detestable, obscene, repugnant, repulsive, and offensive to the mind. In other words, they really, really don't like it. When you think of abhorrent, think of horror, as in something so vile and loathsome that you can only react to it in horror. In fact, the word abhorrent in Latin means “to recoil (back away) in horror.” Note that the ending is spelled -ent with an e, not an a. Maybe the a found abhorrent so abhorrent that it didn’t want to appear in it a second time.

Example Sentences

"Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted firmly wherever it appears," Sir Keir said.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

It “reflects UC Berkeley’s long-standing values and objectives when it comes to combating abhorrent antisemitic expression, harassment, and discrimination when it occurs on the Berkeley campus,” Mogulof said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

Pop icon Elton John on Friday accused the publisher of two UK tabloids of "abhorrent" privacy invasions "outside even the most basic standards of human decency" as he testified at London's High Court.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

“Richard believes that Epstein’s actions were abhorrent and supports the right to justice for his many victims,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

For generations his ancestors had been bred to retrieve without harming, and there was nothing of the hunter in his make-up; as yet, any killing was abhorrent to him.

From "The Incredible Journey" by Sheila Burnford

Related Words

• despicable
• loathsome
• repulsive