abominar
abhor
Definition & meaning
Abominar means to detest, loathe, or abhor someone or something. It expresses strong dislike or moral rejection.
It can also mean to condemn or reject something as hateful or unacceptable, especially in formal or literary contexts.
Grammar & Word origin
Abominar is a regular -ar verb. It is commonly used with de: abominar de algo means “to abhor something.” It can also take a direct object: abominar algo.
The verb comes from Latin abominari, meaning “to regard as an ill omen” or “to reject as ominous.” Its historical parts are related to Latin ab- (“away”) and omen (“omen”), though these are not productive parts of the modern Spanish verb. Its related noun is abominación , “abomination” or “abhorrence.”
Synonyms & antonyms
- detestar — “to detest”; a close, common synonym, often somewhat less formal.
- aborrecer — “to abhor” or “to loathe”; similarly strong, and often emphasizes deep personal aversion.
- odiar — “to hate”; broader and more direct, without necessarily implying moral condemnation.
- repudiar — “to repudiate” or “reject”; emphasizes publicly or formally disowning something.
Possible antonyms include:
- amar — “to love,” the clearest opposite in emotional terms.
- apreciar — “to value” or “appreciate”; a milder contrast, not necessarily the opposite of intense hatred.
Common phrases & collocations
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Examples
Mi padre abomina de la violencia.verb
My father abhors violence.
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