detest

IPA

The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

Dictionary definition of detest

To feel intense dislike, disgust, or strong aversion towards something or someone.
"They detest the long commute to work every day."

Detailed meaning of detest

It denotes a deep and profound level of hatred or abhorrence. When someone detests something, they have a strong negative emotional reaction and a genuine repulsion towards it. The feeling of detestation can arise due to various reasons, such as moral objections, personal preferences, or past negative experiences. It is a sentiment that goes beyond mere dislike or disagreement, expressing a profound and vehement disdain for the object of detestation. 'Detest' is a powerful verb that conveys a strong sense of rejection and revulsion, often implying an emotional and visceral response rather than a rational one.

Example sentences containing detest

1. I detest the way he treats his dog.
2. Many people detest doing laundry.
3. She detests when someone is late for an appointment.
4. They detest the flavor of black licorice.
5. He detests the idea of waking up early on weekends.
6. The cat seems to detest the new brand of food.

History and etymology of detest

The verb 'detest' has its etymological roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'detestari,' which is a combination of 'de,' meaning 'down from' or 'away from,' and 'testari,' meaning 'to bear witness' or 'to testify.' In its original Latin sense, 'detestari' meant to invoke a curse or to bear witness against something with intense dislike or aversion. Over time, as the term transitioned into Old French as 'detester,' it retained this sense of expressing strong dislike, disgust, or aversion towards something or someone, often with a sense of condemnation. In English, 'detest' continues to carry this core meaning, describing the act of feeling intense dislike or disgust and bearing witness against something with a strong aversion, reflecting its etymological connection to the idea of expressing profound displeasure or condemnation.

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Further usage examples of detest

1. I detest the fact that the cinema is so far away.
2. My mother detests it when people don’t take their shoes off inside the house.
3. The teacher detests when students don't do their homework.
4. The neighborhood detests the constant noise from the construction site.
5. We detest having to wait in long lines.
6. The chef detests when people alter his recipes.
7. The community detests the pollution from the local factory.
8. He detests the tedious nature of paperwork.
9. They detest the way the politician avoids answering questions.
10. I detest driving in heavy traffic.
11. She detests the arrogance displayed by her coworker.
12. The gardener detests the rabbits that eat his plants.
13. The old man detests using modern technology.
14. I detest the way the media often sensationalizes news stories.