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.

Example Sentences

Some musicians have said they detest AI music, but casual listeners may not care how a track is made if they find it catchy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I think it’s proper to say that they really detested each other,” said Robert Aldrich, the film’s director.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Lai, an outspoken defender of Taiwan's sovereignty and detested by China, has accused Beijing of "severely" affecting regional peace in the escalating spat.

Read more on Barron's

“Well, I hope you are not going to be this noisy during the play. I simply detest it when other people talk during a performance.”

Read more on Literature

The charismatic politician, who is revered by many on the left but detested by the right, maintains she is the victim of a right-wing judicial hounding aimed at destroying her career.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• abhor 
• despise 
• loathe