detest

verb de·test \ di-ˈtest , dē- \

Definition of detest

transitive verb

1 :to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward :loathe

detests politics

They seem to truly detest each other.

2 obsolete :curse, denounce

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detester

noun

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Examples of detest in a Sentence

I detest pepperoni, and wouldn't eat it if you paid me!

Recent Examples of detest from the Web

Pyongyang really detests the frequency and intensity of military exercises the U.S. conducts in the region — and this gives Washington some leverage.

— heather hurlburt, Daily Intelligencer, "Why Kim Jong-un Is Keeping Tensions High With Trump," 29 Aug. 2017
Walter Johnson, who played for Weiser in 1906-07, was always popular, but Carl Mays, who pitched for Boise in 1912, was disliked by most and even detested by some.

— arthur hart, idahostatesman, "Hall of Fame pitcher got start in Idaho striking out Dudes, Beet Diggers," 19 Aug. 2017
This move also brings him closer—literally—to the Southside Serpents, his father's gang that detests the folks on the Northside (a.k.a Betty's side).

— christopher rosa, Glamour, "This 'Riverdale' Deleted Scene Would've Changed Everything for Betty and Jughead," 9 Aug. 2017
Or maybe Piqué, who is known to detest tabloid rumors, wanted no part in this two month telenovela.

— luis miguel echegaray, SI.com, "Barcelona Teammates Have Their Say, but Only Neymar Knows PSG Saga Outcome," 24 July 2017
As Merkel and Trump palpably detest each other, and as the animus of the British public puts Trump’s planned state visit to the United Kingdom on semi-permanent hold, Macron may come to be seen as America’s link to Europe.

— noah daponte-smith, National Review, "Rooting for Macron," 19 July 2017
His problem is his problems: the drinking and substance abuse, the terrible life decisions, the fact that so many people detest him.

— colin fleming, SI.com, "Elite, unique impact-makers deserve Hockey Hall of Fame recognition over the compilers," 26 June 2017
And much of the Washington media, which detests Donald Trump, has served as the left's echo chamber.

— john kass, chicagotribune.com, "Let's take a step back, then demand clarity," 14 June 2017
Much as Trump voters may detest insiders, the president’s ability to enact his agenda now rests on Ryan and McConnell.

— jay caruso, The Atlantic, "The Republican Dilemma," 4 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'detest.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of detest

Middle French detester or Latin detestari; Middle French detester, from Latin detestari, literally, to curse while calling a deity to witness, from de- + testari to call to witness — more at testament

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1535

See Words from the same year

detest Synonyms

Synonyms

abhor, abominate, despise, hate, execrate, loathe

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

Synonym Discussion of detest

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.