Detest — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈtest/ de·test

Meaning & Definition of Detest

Detest (verb)

  1. to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward, loathe
  2. curse, denounce

Detest (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to dislike strongly

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

    similar: abhor, abominate, despise, execrate, hate, loathe, have it in for
    related: deplore, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disdain, disfavor, scorn
    opposite: love
    near: desire, fancy, favor, like, prefer, enjoy, relish, admire, adore, approve (of), esteem, hallow, idolize, revere, venerate, worship, cherish, prize, treasure

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Detest

The most common words with a similar meaning to Detest:

abhor, abominate, despise, execrate, hate, loathe, have it in for

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Detest

Words with the opposite meaning of Detest:

love

Related Words for Detest

deplore, deprecate, disapprove (of), discountenance, disdain, disfavor, scorn

Near Antonyms of Detest

desire, fancy, favor, like, prefer, enjoy, relish, admire, adore, approve (of), esteem, hallow, idolize, revere, venerate, worship, cherish, prize, treasure

Word Forms of Detest

Inflections: detested, detesting, detests

Derived words: detester (noun)

Origin & 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 testament

First known use: circa 1535

Frequently Asked Questions about Detest

What does "Detest" mean?

"Detest" means to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward, loathe. As a verb, it is defined as: to feel intense and often violent antipathy toward, loathe.

What is another word for "Detest"?

Other words for "Detest" include abhor, abominate, despise, execrate, hate, loathe and have it in for. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Detest" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Detest"?

There are 14 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Detest". Common alternatives include abhor, abominate, despise, execrate, hate, loathe and have it in for.

What is the opposite of "Detest"?

Antonyms of "Detest" include love. Near antonyms include desire, fancy, favor and like.

How do you use "Detest" in a sentence?

Examples of "Detest" in a sentence: "I detest pepperoni, and wouldn't eat it if you paid me!".

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

"Detest" is a verb.

How do you pronounce "Detest"?

"Detest" is pronounced /di-ˈtest/ and divided into syllables as de·test.

What is the origin of the word "Detest"?

"Detest" comes from 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 testament. First known use: circa 1535.