abomination
C1Formal, literary, religious
Definition
Meaning
Something that causes disgust, hatred, or moral outrage; a detestable thing or action.
Often used in religious or moral contexts to describe something considered deeply offensive to God, nature, or societal norms. Can also refer to a person or practice viewed as loathsome.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Carries strong emotional and moral weight. Often implies violation of a sacred or fundamental principle. More intense than 'dislike' or 'disgust'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British religious discourse historically.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech in both regions; appears more in writing, formal speech, or religious contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] an abomination to [someone][be] an abomination in the eyes of [someone]regard [something] as an abominationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an abomination unto the Lord (biblical)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used hyperbolically: 'The new tax policy is an abomination to small business owners.'
Academic
Used in religious studies, ethics, literature, and history to describe morally condemned practices or artifacts.
Everyday
Uncommon in casual conversation. Used for strong emphasis: 'That modern building next to the cathedral is an absolute abomination.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields outside specific theological or ethical discourse.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council abominated the proposed development.
- She abominates cruelty to animals.
American English
- He abominates the new tax law.
- They abominate any form of discrimination.
adverb
British English
- The team played abominably in the first half.
- He behaved abominably at the dinner.
American English
- The service was abominably slow.
- She was treated abominably by her employer.
adjective
British English
- The abominable snowman is a mythical creature.
- He found the conditions abominable.
American English
- The abominable treatment of prisoners was condemned.
- She thought the movie was abominable.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Many people think littering is an abomination.
- Cruelty to animals is an abomination.
- The dictator's crimes were an abomination to the civilised world.
- She regarded the vandalism of the historic monument as an abomination.
- The systematic destruction of the rainforest is an ecological abomination.
- In his view, the corruption within the institution was a profound moral abomination.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A BOMB in a NATION' would be a horrible, detestable event → an abomination.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL DISGUST IS PHYSICAL REVULSION / VIOLATION OF SACRED ORDER IS POLLUTION
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'мерзость' in all contexts; 'abomination' is stronger and more formal.
- Do not use for minor annoyances; reserve for profound moral/esthetic disgust.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for trivial dislikes (e.g., 'Broccoli is an abomination.' – too strong for most contexts).
- Misspelling as 'abonimation' or 'abominaton'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'abomination' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it has strong roots in religious language (especially the Bible), it is used in secular contexts to express extreme moral, ethical, or aesthetic disgust.
'Disgust' is the feeling of revulsion. 'Abomination' is the thing or action that causes such a strong feeling, often with a moral or sacred dimension.
Yes, but it's often hyperbolic or ironic humour, e.g., 'Pineapple on pizza is an abomination!' This uses the word's formal weight for a trivial subject.
The verb is 'to abominate' (formal), and the adjective is 'abominable'. The adverb is 'abominably'.