loathing

noun

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

Example Sentences

She expressed her intense loathing of his hypocrisy. She regarded his hypocrisy with loathing.
Recent Examples on the Web The union that staged a strike and pushed hard for COVID safety — inspiring love and loathing among parents — is electing its leaders. Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2023 Soon, his feelings about Nazism turned from admiration to loathing. Jud Newborn, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Feb. 2023 People wanting to express their feelings this month—be it love or loathing—have plenty of options courtesy of a raft of baffling campaigns. Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2023 The replies are riddled with debate over hunting lions and loathing for the man and woman in the article’s photo. Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 30 Jan. 2023 Half the country cannot forgive the PT for the corruption scandals that plagued their four successive governments, and the other half has developed a deep loathing for the far-right. Andrew Downie, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Nov. 2022 But this was hardly the mutually assured loathing of, say, Joe Biden and Donald Trump on the vitriolic presidential debate stage in 2020. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2022 Much of the attack on obesity which is grounded in real concerns about health also does rely upon the genuine loathing and disgust toward fat people which is widespread in American society. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 1 Sep. 2012 For an increasingly vocal niche of the underground, rap bravado is a relic of the past—fear and loathing have replaced bitches and money. Spin Staff, SPIN, 31 Dec. 2022 See More

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

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

Dictionary Entries Near loathing

Cite this Entry

“Loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathing. Accessed 24 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

loathing

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

More from Merriam-Webster on loathing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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