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 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

/ 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

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

“It is hypocritical to say that it is abhorrent to tactically shift voters based on race, but not to do so based on party affiliation,” he said.

Read more on Salon

The seven-hour drive was stretched when they doubled back at the California border after gazing upon the state’s abhorrent gas prices.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Erin West, a longtime US cybercrime prosecutor who resigned last year to campaign full-time for action, said "it is abhorrent that an American company is enabling this to happen".

Read more on Barron's

Our America is not ruled by a petty, vindictive despot wannabe with an outrageous history of criminal and socially abhorrent behavior who imagines he is king.

Read more on Salon

“President Biden’s decision to commute the death sentences of these monsters showed abhorrent disregard for our justice system and total disrespect for victims’ families already suffering through immense loss,” Bondi said in September.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• despicable 
• loathsome 
• repulsive