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

Other Word Forms

• detester noun
• undetested adjective
• undetesting 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.

Related Words

• abhor 
• despise 
• loathe