odium
UK: ˈəʊ.di.əm | US: ˈoʊ.di.əm
n. 1. General or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone or something.
n. 2. The state or quality of being hated or intensely disliked.
n. 3. (Archaic) A disgrace or reproach arising from hatred or condemnation.
odium = od<hate> + ium<noun suffix>
- od (from Latin odium, meaning "hatred" or "disgust")
- ium (a Latin-derived noun suffix indicating a state or condition)
Etymology Origin:
The word odium traces back to Latin odium, meaning "hatred" or "disgust," which itself stems from the verb odi ("I hate"). This root is also the source of related English words like annoy (via Old French) and noisome (originally meaning "harmful" or "disgusting"). The suffix -ium was commonly used in Latin to form abstract nouns, giving odium its sense of a pervasive state of hatred. Over time, the word evolved to emphasize not just personal animosity but also public condemnation or disgrace.
The politician faced widespread odium after the corruption scandal.
Her actions brought odium upon the entire organization.
The dictator’s regime was marked by the odium of the oppressed populace.
In ancient Rome, public odium could lead to exile or worse.
The critic’s harsh review earned him the odium of the artistic community.