loathing

noun

loath·​ing ˈlō-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce loathing (audio)
: extreme disgust : detestation
She regarded his hypocrisy with loathing.

Examples of loathing in a Sentence

She expressed her intense loathing of his hypocrisy. She regarded his hypocrisy with loathing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Conversations in dorm rooms and lecture halls consist of roughly 97% university-loathing and imitative protests to fire coaches and athletic directors. Noah White, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2025 This conversation happens in a chamber David has decorated with his various drawings and inventions, expressions of individuality Walter and his brethren have been denied; Walter is neither gifted with David’s imagination nor burdened by his loathing of humankind. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 But will this common sense prevail in an era suffused with division and mutual political loathing? U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 An international bestseller later turned into a film by Mira Nair, the book owed its success, in part, to its blunt articulation of the fear and loathing provoked by the American Empire even among many of its eager janissaries. Pankaj Mishra, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loathing

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loathing was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathing. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

loathing

noun
loath·​ing
ˈlō-t͟hiŋ
: very great dislike : extreme disgust

More from Merriam-Webster on loathing

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