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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

abhorrence

IPA:

How to pronounce abhorrence (audio)

Dictionary definition of abhorrence

An intense feeling of disgust, revulsion, and strong disapproval towards something or someone.
"Her abhorrence for injustice led her to become a human rights lawyer."

Detailed meaning of abhorrence

It represents a deep and profound aversion that arises from a moral or ethical standpoint. When one experiences abhorrence, they are filled with a profound sense of repugnance, finding the object of their abhorrence utterly detestable and abominable. It is a visceral reaction that arises from a strong sense of moral or ethical values, rejecting and condemning what is perceived as morally wrong, evil, or repulsive. Abhorrence often manifests in a range of emotions, such as anger, outrage, and contempt, further reinforcing the strong and unwavering stance against that which is abhorrent. It serves as a guiding force, reminding individuals of their principles and acting as a catalyst for advocating change and justice.

Example sentences containing abhorrence

1. His abhorrence of cruelty led him to become an animal rights activist.
2. The politician's corruption was met with widespread abhorrence.
3. She expressed her abhorrence for violence and conflict.
4. The teacher's abhorrence of cheating was well-known in the school.
5. His abhorrence of injustice drove him to fight for equality.
6. The film's graphic violence evoked strong abhorrence from viewers.

History and etymology of abhorrence

The noun 'abhorrence' is closely related to the verb 'abhor,' and its etymology reflects the intensity of the emotion it signifies. Like 'abhor,' it has its roots in Middle English and Old English. In particular, 'abhorrence' is derived from the Old English word 'abhōrung,' which, in turn, stems from 'abhōrian,' where 'ab' denotes 'away from' and 'hōrian' means 'to hoar' or 'to become gray.' This ancient term originally conveyed a sense of recoiling or shrinking away from something in disgust or aversion. Over time, it evolved to represent the strong and intense feeling of disgust, revulsion, and strong disapproval that one might experience towards something or someone. Thus, the etymology of 'abhorrence' underscores its historical connection to the profound emotional reaction it describes, emphasizing the depth of revulsion and disapproval it signifies.

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Further usage examples of abhorrence

1. The community's abhorrence of racism was evident in their protests.
2. Her abhorrence of spiders made her scream when she saw one.
3. The dictator's abhorrence of dissent led to a repressive regime.
4. The sight of animal abuse filled her with abhorrence.
5. Their abhorrence of pollution inspired them to clean up the beach.
6. The bigotry displayed by some people is a source of abhorrence.
7. The character's abhorrence of lies was a central theme in the story.
8. The abhorrence of war united people in their quest for peace.
9. His abhorrence of public speaking made him anxious.
10. The company's abhorrence of waste led to recycling initiatives.
11. The artist's work was met with both admiration and abhorrence.
12. The villain's abhorrence of kindness made him a formidable foe.
13. The community's abhorrence of crime led to a neighborhood watch.
14. Their abhorrence of discrimination fueled their advocacy for change.
15. The community expressed abhorrence at the thought of a landfill being built nearby.
16. His abhorrence of dishonesty was instilled in him from a young age by his parents.
17. The play vividly portrays the abhorrence that war can evoke in the hearts of soldiers.
18. The animal rights activist's abhorrence for animal cruelty led her to start a shelter.
19. His abhorrence of his previous behavior led him to seek counseling and make amends.
20. He viewed the crime with abhorrence, unable to comprehend how someone could be so cruel.
21. Her abhorrence of waste drives her to create innovative solutions for recycling.
22. The child's abhorrence for vegetables is so intense that he refuses to even touch them.
23. The group’s abhorrence of discrimination led them to organize a peaceful protest.
24. The town’s abhorrence of the corrupt mayor led to a unanimous vote for his removal.
25. She couldn't hide her abhorrence when she saw the old, moldy food in the refrigerator.

Suffix -ence, Adversities and Complications, Chasms and Carnage, Denial and Defiance, Disdain and Contempt, Repugnance and Revulsion, Anger and Hatred

abomination,antipathy,aversion,detestation,hatred,loathing,odium,repugnance

disgust, liking, fondness, affection

eb68db_3dc277af120f419fb9ae95ee1e8a9ac3.mp3

disgust,execration,repulsion,revulsion

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