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Definition of detest

detest

/dɪˈtɛst/
de · test
Adverb:detestably
•
Adjective:detestable
•
Past Simple:detested
•
Past Participle:detested
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Present Participle:detesting
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detest Lexical Profile

detest Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To dislike intensely; to feel extreme hatred or repugnance toward.

Example

"The kittens appear to detest the cold winter weather and refuse to step outside."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for detest

• Nearby Words

deterrence
deterrent
deterrer
detest
detestable
detestably
dethrone

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Middle French détester, from Latin detestari ('to curse while calling a deity to witness, to execrate'), formed from de- ('down, away') and testari ('to bear witness'), from testis ('witness').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Detest. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/detest
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