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detest

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verb de·test \di-ˈtest, dē-\

Definition of detest

  1. transitive verb

  2. 1 :  to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward :  loathe detests politics They seem to truly detest each other.

  3. 2 obsolete :  curse, denounce

detester

noun

See detest defined for English-language learners

See detest defined for kids

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Examples of detest in a Sentence

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

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


First Known Use: circa 1535

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. 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

DETEST Defined for English Language Learners

detest

play
verb de·test \di-ˈtest, dē-\

Definition of detest for English Language Learners

  • : to dislike (someone or something) very strongly

DETEST Defined for Kids

detest

play
verb de·test \di-ˈtest\

Definition of detest for Students

detested

;

detesting

  1. :  to dislike very much

Learn More about detest

  1. See words that rhyme with detest Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for detest Spanish Central: Translation of detest Nglish: Translation of detest for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of detest for Arabic speakers

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Examples: detest in a Sentence
Tip: Synonym Guide