Word of the Day: Abhor – Understanding Deep Disgust and Intense Aversion

 

Word of the Day: Abhor – Understanding Deep Disgust and Intense Aversion

Definition

Abhor (ab-ˈhȯr) – verb

  1. To regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; to detest utterly.
  2. To feel a strong sense of hatred or disgust toward something, often with an emotional or moral objection.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Detest
  • Loathe
  • Despise
  • Dislike intensely
  • Hate

Antonyms:

  • Like
  • Love
  • Admire
  • Enjoy
  • Appreciate

Introduction

Have you ever come across something that made you feel so disgusted, so repulsed, that you couldn’t even bear the thought of it? That’s exactly what abhor is all about. It’s not just disliking something – it’s feeling an intense, almost physical repulsion toward it. Let’s dive into the word abhor, understand its meaning, and see how it’s used in everyday language.

Etymology and Meaning

The word abhor originates from the Latin abhorrere, meaning "to shrink back" or "to recoil." It’s a combination of ab (meaning "away from") and horrere (meaning "to shudder" or "to tremble"). Over time, the word evolved into its current form, referring to a strong sense of revulsion or disgust.

Definitions and Applications

  1. Intense Disgust or Hatred
    When you abhor something, you don’t just dislike it – you have a visceral, almost instinctual reaction against it. This could apply to anything, from behaviors to situations that deeply offend or disturb you.

    Example:
    She abhors cruelty to animals and volunteers at the shelter to help abandoned pets.

  2. Moral or Ethical Aversion
    Sometimes, abhor is used to describe a moral or ethical objection to something. It’s when an action, event, or concept goes against your core values and beliefs.

    Example:
    He abhors dishonesty and always values truth above all else.

Pronunciation

/ab-ˈhȯr/

Examples in Literature

In literature, abhor is often used to express characters’ deep disgust or hatred toward actions or ideologies that go against their values. Here are a few examples:

  • William Shakespeare (Macbeth): “I abhor the sight of these bloody hands.”
    In this line, Macbeth expresses his disgust after committing murder, reflecting his inner turmoil and guilt.

  • Mary Shelley (Frankenstein): “I abhor the idea of creating life only to destroy it.”
    Frankenstein’s monster expresses the deep moral revulsion toward the actions of his creator, Frankenstein, who made him and then abandoned him.

Related Phrases and Idioms

  • Abhor the thought: Refers to the intense aversion to even considering something.
  • Abhorrent behavior: Describes actions or attitudes that are deeply offensive or morally unacceptable.
  • Abhor with a passion: A stronger expression of disgust, emphasizing the intensity of the feeling.

Modern Usage

Today, abhor is used to express strong negative emotions, often in relation to moral or ethical judgments. It’s a word that conveys the idea of something being so repulsive that it can’t be accepted, even in thought.

Example:
Many people abhor the idea of animal testing and support cruelty-free alternatives.

Interactive Quiz

Test Your Knowledge!

  1. What does abhor mean?
    a) To like or enjoy
    b) To feel intense hatred or disgust
    c) To feel indifferent

  2. Which is a synonym for abhor?
    a) Admire
    b) Despise
    c) Love

  3. When would someone abhor something?
    a) When they feel indifferent about it
    b) When they are indifferent to it
    c) When they feel intense disgust or hatred toward it

Quiz Results

  • The correct answer to question 1 is: b) To feel intense hatred or disgust.
  • The synonym for abhor in question 2 is: b) Despise.
  • The correct answer to question 3 is: c) When they feel intense disgust or hatred toward it.

Cultural Insights

In Film:
Movies often use the concept of abhor to highlight characters’ moral dilemmas. A character may abhor a villain's actions or unethical behavior, driving the plot and their journey toward justice or redemption.

In Music:
Many songs explore themes of abhorrence toward certain societal issues or personal experiences. For example, protest songs may express a collective abhorrence toward war, inequality, or injustice.

In Literature:
Authors often use abhor to show characters’ deep moral conflicts, highlighting moments of emotional intensity or the internal struggles between right and wrong.

Conclusion

To abhor something is to feel a deep, often uncontrollable disgust or hatred toward it. It’s more than just dislike; it’s an intense emotional response that can define the way we react to actions, behaviors, or situations that violate our core beliefs. Next time you feel that strong sense of revulsion, you’ll know exactly what’s happening.

Have you ever abhorred something or someone in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we’d love to hear about your experiences!

Stay tuned for our next blog: Abhorrence – The Emotion Behind Extreme Disgust.