How do you use the word "abhor" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "abhor": I abhor killing animals. People with physical disabilities abhor being pitied.

Abhor Meaning

/əbˈhɔː/

Definition, CEFR level C2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

verbTo regard (someone or something) as horrifying or detestable; to feel great repugnance toward.

verbTo fill with horror or disgust.

Sentence Examples

I abhor killing animals.

People with physical disabilities abhor being pitied.

If there's anything we Algerians abhor, it's double standards.

CEFR Practice Quiz

As a pacifist, she cannot ____ the senseless violence that plagues our modern society.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

I ____ any kind of cruelty towards animals.

Word Origin & History

First attested in 1449, from Middle English abhorren, borrowed from Middle French abhorrer, from Latin abhorreō (“shrink away from in horror”), from ab- (“from”) + horreō (“stand aghast, bristle with fear”).

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"Let loue bee without dissimulation: abhorre that which is euill, cleaue to that which is good." — 1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Romans 12:9:

"Many vegetarians abhor the thought of killing animals to feed themselves and also the methods by which animals are slaughtered." — 1975 March 21, Judy Klemesrud, “Vegetarianism: Growing Way of Life, Especially Among the Young”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, archived from the original on 02 Nov 2025:

"I have risked alienating some members with criticism of the war, reminding them, for example, that the Lord abhors our worship of the false gods of Western affluence, worldly power and high technology. I agree with Michael J. Easley, the senior pastor-teacher of Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, when he says, "I think my 'job' is to clearly teach the Scriptures, not be persuaded by what may or may not be our people's views."" — 2003 April 20, Henry G. Brinton, “A Congregation Divided”, in The Washington Post, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 28 Jan 2024:

"But neuer taynt my Loue. I cannot say Whore, It do's abhorre me now I speake the word, To do the Act, that might the addition earne, Not the worlds Masse of vanitie could make me." — c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act IV, scene ii], page 332, column 2:

"I vtterly abhorre; yea, from my Soule Refuse you for my Iudge, whom yet once more I hold my most malicious Foe, and thinke not At all a Friend to truth." — 1613 (date written), William Shakespeare, [John Fletcher], “The Famous History of the Life of King Henry the Eight”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iv], page 216, column 2:

Explore More C2 Vocabulary Words