Search Dictionary
Definition of abhorrent

abhorrent

/æbˈhɔːr.ənt/
ab · hor · rent
Adverb:abhorrently
JUMP TO:

abhorrent Lexical Profile

abhorrent Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Inspiring intense disgust, revulsion, or moral loathing; utterly repugnant.

Example

"Cruelty toward defenseless animals is abhorrent to anyone with a basic sense of empathy."

2

Completely contrary or in direct opposition to a principle, standard, or nature (usually followed by 'to' or 'from').

Example

"Censorship of scientific inquiry is fundamentally abhorrent to the principles of an open university."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for abhorrent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for abhorrent

• Rhymes for abhorrent

• Nearby Words

aberrational
abet
abhor
abhorrent
abhorrently
abidance
abide

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin abhorrentem, the present participle of abhorrere ('to shrink back from, shudder at'), formed from ab- ('away from') and horrere ('to bristle, tremble, or shudder').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abhorrent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abhorrent
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.