hate

²hate

verb

hat·edhat·ing

Definition of HATE

transitive verb

1

: to feel extreme enmity toward <hates his country's enemies>

2

: to have a strong aversion to : find very distasteful <hated to have to meet strangers> <hate hypocrisy>

intransitive verb

: to express or feel extreme enmity or active hostility

— hat·er noun

— hate one's guts

: to hate someone with great intensity

Examples of HATE

1. He was a cruel tyrant who was hated and feared by his people.
2. She hated them for betraying her.
3. They were political rivals who truly hated each other.
4. What is it that you hate about him most?
5. children whose families have taught them to hate
6. They hate being apart from each other.
7. I hate the idea of leaving my mother alone all week.

First Known Use of HATE

before 12th century

Related to HATE

Synonyms: abhor, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, loathe, have it in for

Antonyms: love

Related Words: deplore, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disdain, disfavor, scorn

Near Antonyms: desire, fancy, favor, like, prefer; enjoy, relish; admire, adore, approve (of), esteem, hallow, idolize, revere, venerate, worship; cherish, prize, treasure

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Synonym Discussion of HATE

hate, detest, abhor, abominate, loathe mean to feel strong aversion or intense dislike for. hate implies an emotional aversion often coupled with enmity or malice <hated the enemy with a passion>. detest suggests violent antipathy <detests cowards>. abhor implies a deep often shuddering repugnance <a crime abhorred by all>. abominate suggests strong detestation and often moral condemnation <abominates all forms of violence>. loathe implies utter disgust and intolerance <loathed the mere sight of them>.