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Synonyms

loathing

American  
[loh-thing] / ˈloʊ ðɪŋ /

noun

  1. strong dislike or disgust; intense aversion.

    Synonyms:
    hatred, abhorrence

loathing British  
/ ˈləʊðɪŋ /

noun

  1. abhorrence; disgust

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Related Words

See aversion.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of loathing

First recorded in 1300–50, loathing is from the Middle English word lathynge. See loathe, -ing 1

Explanation

Loathing is a feeling of complete disgust. Your loathing of the feeling of sand between your toes means that going to the beach isn't much fun for you. If you have an utterly disgusted hatred of something, you have a loathing for it. A loathing of green vegetables can result in nutritional problems, and a loathing of little kids would make a person a pretty terrible babysitter. To loathe something is to abhor or strongly dislike it; the Old English root of both loathe and loathing is laðian, to be disgusted with.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing loathing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You can watch the full BBC Africa Eye documentary Fear and Loathing in South Africa here on the BBC Africa YouTube channel.

From BBC • Sep. 17, 2023

This fantastical concept is ripped off from various sources, including Hunter S. Thompson's 1971 "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" as well as an array of grade-B horror movies.

From Salon • Sep. 2, 2023

Minimalism came to the Croisette courtesy of Ms. Moss, attending the premiere of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” with her then-boyfriend, Johnny Depp.

From New York Times • May 10, 2023

The lead single “Hotel Lobby” has a video inspired by ”Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and another club-ready single is “Us vs. Them,” with Gucci Mane.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 3, 2022

Love flies the haunts of pomp and power, To find the calm retreat; Loathing he leaves the velvet couch, To seek the moss-grown seat.

From The Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume V. The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half Century by Rogers, Charles

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