abhorrence
C2Formal/Literary
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of strong disgust and hatred; something regarded with extreme repugnance.
The state or condition of being viewed with intense loathing. The word can also refer to the specific person or thing that is the object of this feeling.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Denotes a profound, deep-seated emotional and moral revulsion, stronger than simple dislike or hate. It implies a reaction to something perceived as morally repugnant or fundamentally offensive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences; the word is used in both varieties with the same core meaning and similar frequency.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of moral repugnance and visceral disgust in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more common in formal British writing, but remains a low-frequency, formal word in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have/feel abhorrence of/for/towards somethingview/regard something with abhorrencesomething is an abhorrence to someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hold in abhorrence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in strong ethical statements, e.g., 'The board expressed its abhorrence of the corruption scandal.'
Academic
Used in philosophy, ethics, political science, and literature to describe profound moral or aesthetic rejection.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech; reserved for expressing extreme disapproval of serious issues like violence or injustice.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts outside of specialised ethical or legal discourse.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I absolutely abhor cruelty to animals.
- She abhors the vulgarity of modern celebrity culture.
American English
- We abhor any form of discrimination.
- He abhors the political corruption in the city.
adverb
British English
- She looked at the proposal abhorrently, refusing to even touch the document.
- He spoke abhorrently of their former ally's betrayal.
American English
- He shook his head abhorrently as the details were read aloud.
- The critic wrote abhorrently of the film's exploitative nature.
adjective
British English
- The abhorrent conditions in the prison sparked an inquiry.
- His views on race are simply abhorrent.
American English
- The abhorrent act of violence shocked the community.
- I find his behavior utterly abhorrent.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She feels a strong abhorrence of violence.
- Cruelty to animals is an abhorrence to many people.
- The journalist wrote with abhorrence about the regime's human rights abuses.
- Public abhorrence for the crime led to calls for a stricter law.
- His philosophical treatise is rooted in an abhorrence of nihilism.
- They regarded the proposed policy not merely with disagreement but with visceral abhorrence, seeing it as a betrayal of fundamental principles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ABHORrence' sounds like 'a bore' but with intense 'horror' at its core. A+BORE+HORROR = a strong feeling of horror towards something boring or, more accurately, repulsive.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMORALITY IS FILTH / OFFENSIVE IDEAS ARE POISON. Abhorrence is the emotional reaction to contact with this 'filth' or 'poison'.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'отвращение' for mild dislike; reserve it for contexts matching the extreme strength of 'abhorrence'. Do not confuse with 'ненависть' (hatred), which can be more active and personal; 'abhorrence' emphasises disgust and moral rejection.
Common Mistakes
- Mispronouncing as /æbˈhɔːrəns/ is common but non-standard in RP. Using it for mild dislike (e.g., 'I have an abhorrence of broccoli'). Incorrect preposition (e.g., 'abhorrence at' instead of 'abhorrence of/for').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'abhorrence' MOST appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal, low-frequency word (C2 level). It is used in writing and formal speech to express extreme moral or visceral disgust, not for everyday annoyances.
'Hate' is a broader, more common term for intense dislike. 'Abhorrence' is stronger, more formal, and specifically implies a reaction of disgust and moral revulsion. You can hate a rival, but you feel abhorrence for acts of cruelty.
Yes, though less common. As an uncountable noun, it refers to the feeling (e.g., 'feel abhorrence'). As a countable noun, it refers to the specific thing that is loathed (e.g., 'Corruption is an abhorrence to him').
The most standard prepositions are 'of', 'for', and 'towards' (e.g., 'abhorrence of violence', 'abhorrence for betrayal', 'abhorrence towards injustice'). 'Towards' is less common but acceptable.