detest

Definition

To dislike (someone or something) intensely; to loathe.

Etymology

PIE word *tréyes From Middle French detester (French détester), from Latin dētestor (“to imprecate evil while calling the gods to witness", "denounce", "hate intensely”), from dē- + testor (“to testify, bear witness”), from testis (“a witness”); see test, testify. Doublet of detestate.

Example Sentences

• "I detest snakes."
• "Who dares think one thing, and another tell, / My heart detests him as the gates of hell."
• "Nurse Cramer had a cute nose and a radiant, blooming complexion dotted with fetching sprays of adorable freckles that Yossarian detested."

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