Abhorrence — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /əb-ˈhȯr-ən(t)s/ ab·hor·rence

Meaning & Definition of Abhorrence

Abhorrence (noun)

  1. the act or state of abhorring or despising something or someone
  2. a feeling of strong repugnance or disgust, loathing
  3. something regarded as repugnant or disgusting

Abhorrence (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. something or someone that is hated

    "one of the changes in American society that remains a particular abhorrence of social conservatives"

    similar: abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, detestation, execration, hate
    related: dread, hang-up, horror, phobia, bogey, bugaboo, bugbear, adversary, enemy, annoyance, grievance, hassle, nuisance, peeve
    opposite: love
    near: beloved, darling, dear, honey, sweetheart, delight, enjoyment, felicity, joy, pleasure, favorite, like, preference, treasure

  2. a very strong dislike

    "my firm abhorrence of all forms of hypocrisy"

    similar: abomination, detestation, execration, hate, hatred, loathing
    related: cattiness, despite, despitefulness, hatefulness, invidiousness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness, aversion, disgust, distaste, horror, odium, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, bitterness, contempt, disdain, enmity, grudge, hostility, jealousy, pique, resentment, scorn, bile, jaundice, rancor, spleen, venom, virulence, vitriol
    opposite: affection, devotion, fondness, love
    near: appetite, inclination, liking, admiration, adoration, veneration, worship, acceptance, tolerance, passion, relish, taste

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Abhorrence

The most common words with a similar meaning to Abhorrence:

abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, detestation, execration, hate, hatred, loathing

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Abhorrence

Words with the opposite meaning of Abhorrence:

love, affection, devotion, fondness

Related Words for Abhorrence

dread, hang-up, horror, phobia, bogey, bugaboo, bugbear, adversary, enemy, annoyance, grievance, hassle, nuisance, peeve, cattiness, despite, despitefulness, hatefulness, invidiousness, malevolence, malice, maliciousness, malignancy, malignity, meanness, spite, spitefulness, disgust, distaste, odium

Near Antonyms of Abhorrence

beloved, darling, dear, honey, sweetheart, delight, enjoyment, felicity, joy, pleasure, favorite, like, preference, treasure, appetite, inclination, liking, admiration, adoration, veneration, worship, acceptance, tolerance, passion, relish, taste

Origin & Etymology of Abhorrence

abhorr(ent) + -ence

First known use: 1592

Frequently Asked Questions about Abhorrence

What does "Abhorrence" mean?

"Abhorrence" means the act or state of abhorring or despising something or someone. As a noun, it is defined as: the act or state of abhorring or despising something or someone. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Abhorrence"?

Other words for "Abhorrence" include abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, detestation, execration and hate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Abhorrence" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Abhorrence"?

There are 62 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Abhorrence". Common alternatives include abomination, anathema, antipathy, aversion, bête noire, detestation, execration, hate, hatred and loathing.

What is the opposite of "Abhorrence"?

Antonyms of "Abhorrence" include love, affection, devotion and fondness. Near antonyms include beloved, darling, dear and honey.

How do you use "Abhorrence" in a sentence?

Examples of "Abhorrence" in a sentence: "one of the changes in American society that remains a particular abhorrence of social conservatives"; "my firm abhorrence of all forms of hypocrisy".

Is "Abhorrence" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Abhorrence" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Abhorrence"?

"Abhorrence" is pronounced /əb-ˈhȯr-ən(t)s/ and divided into syllables as ab·hor·rence.

What is the origin of the word "Abhorrence"?

"Abhorrence" comes from abhorr(ent) + -ence. First known use: 1592.