detest

UK: dɪˈtɛst | US: dɪˈtɛst

Definition

  1. vt. to dislike intensely; loathe

  2. vt. to regard with extreme aversion

Structure
de <down, away>test <witness>
Etymology

detest = de<down, away> + test<witness>

  • de: A Latin prefix meaning "down, away, off," often implying negation or reversal.
  • test: From Latin testari ("to witness, testify"), derived from testis ("witness").

Etymology Origin:
The word "detest" originates from Latin detestari, meaning "to curse, denounce" (literally "to call down a witness against something"). The prefix de- intensifies the action of testari ("to witness"), reflecting a strong rejection or condemnation. Over time, the meaning softened to "intense dislike" in English, retaining the core idea of vehement opposition.

Examples

  1. She detests dishonesty in any form.

  2. He detests waking up early on weekends.

  3. They openly detest the new policy.

  4. The chef detests using frozen ingredients.

  5. Many people detest the smell of durian.