abhorrence

From abhorrent +‎ -ence.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /əbˈhɒɹ.n̩(t)s/
• (US) IPA^(key): /æbˈhɔɹ.n̩(t)s/, /æbˈhɑɹ.n̩(t)s/

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abhorrence (countable and uncountable, plural abhorrences)

1. (uncountable, countable) Extreme aversion or detestation; the feeling of utter dislike or loathing. ^[1]
   • 1818, Mary Shelley, chapter 9, in Frankenstein‎, archived from the original on 3 April 2012:

     My abhorrence of this fiend cannot be conceived.

   • 2018, Dr. Philip J. Budd, David Allen Hubbard, Glenn W. Barker, Numbers, volume 5, page 55:

     The recognition of what pollutes evidently reflects deep-seated abhorrences, whose cause and origin are difficult to discover.

2. (countable, obsolete, historical) An expression of abhorrence, in particular any of the parliamentary addresses dictated towards Charles II. ^[1]
3. (countable) A person or thing that is loathsome; a detested thing. ^[1]
   • 2022, Sabine Dievenkorn, Shaul Levin, Gained in Translation I: Bibles, Theologies, and the Politics of Empowerment, page 276:

     All of them are תובעות abhorrences or abominations, although “adultery and bestiality” are branded as “unclean” (אמט) activities. Because “homosexuality” is classified as one of the “abhorrences,” Milgrom believes the practice was “widespread."

• abhorrition