Definition and Etymology of Abhor

1. Definition

What is, Concept or Meaning

v. Abhor is a verb that means to detest or hate something intensely. It is often used to describe a strong feeling of disgust or revulsion towards something, and it is generally considered to be a more intense or extreme form of dislike than words like “dislike” or “hate.” For example, someone might say “I abhor violence” to express their strong dislike for it, or “I abhor the smell of cigarettes” to describe their intense dislike of the smell.

In addition to being used to describe a person’s feelings, the word “abhor” can also be used to express moral outrage or condemnation of something. For example, someone might say “I abhor the idea of slavery” to express their strong moral opposition to it.

2. Etymology of abhor

The word “abhor” comes from the Latin word “abhorrēre,” which means “to shrink back in horror.” It is related to the Latin word “horrēre,” which means “to tremble” or “to shudder.” The word “horror” comes from the same root, and it is often used to describe a feeling of fear, dread, or shock. Other words with the same etymology include “horrify,” which means to fill with horror or shock, and “horror movie,” which is a movie that is designed to frighten or shock the viewer.

Other words with the same etymology include:

• Horror: A feeling of fear, dread, or shock
• Horrify: To fill with horror or shock
• Horror movie: A movie that is designed to frighten or shock the viewer

3. Uses and Applications

Abhor is most commonly used to express strong dislike or disgust towards something. It can be used in a variety of contexts, such as to describe a person’s feelings about a particular thing or action, or to express moral outrage about something. In addition to being used in spoken language, the word “abhor” is also commonly used in writing, particularly in formal or literary contexts. For example, an author might use the word “abhor” in a novel to convey the strong feelings of a character, or a journalist might use it in an editorial to express their strong opposition to a particular issue.

4. History

The word “abhor” has been in use in the English language for hundreds of years. It first appeared in written English in the 16th century, and it has been used in a variety of contexts since then. In the past, the word was often used to express strong moral outrage or condemnation, and it was often used in a religious or philosophical context. Today, the word is still commonly used to express strong dislike or disgust, and it is used in a variety of settings, including casual conversation, writing, and formal speech.

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