Definition of ABHORRENT (original) (raw)
1
: causing or deserving strong dislike or hatred : being so repugnant as to stir up positive antagonism
acts abhorrent to every right-minded person
2
: not agreeable : contrary
a notion abhorrent to their philosophy
3
a
: feeling or showing strong dislike or hatred
b
archaic : strongly opposed
Synonyms
Examples of abhorrent in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This abhorrent gesture has no place in our society and belongs in the darkest chapters of human history. —
Flynn Nicholls, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 But many 12-step followers consider taking drugs in order to heal drug addiction to be abhorrent. —Jan Hoffman, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025 Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said offences of this nature are abhorrent and CPIU detectives are committed to protecting children from harm and holding offenders to account. —Jon Haworth, ABC News, 16 Jan. 2025 The upshot for all this is, for the first time ever, neither Russia nor Iran nor Hezbollah could defend this abhorrent regime in Syria. —Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abhorrent 
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Latin abhorrent-, abhorrens, present participle of abhorrēre "to abhor"
First Known Use
1599, in the meaning defined at sense 3b
Time Traveler
The first known use of abhorrent was in 1599
Dictionary Entries Near abhorrent
Cite this Entry
“Abhorrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abhorrent. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.
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Last Updated: 2 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences
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