Definition

To strongly dislike or hate something very much.

Example

Many people abominate cruelty towards animals.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I really abominate when people are rude to waitstaff.

Yeah, it's so disrespectful; they work hard for us.

Exactly! I just can't understand how some people think that's okay.

Right? It's like they forget that everyone deserves kindness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Abominate is formed from "ab-" (meaning away from) and "ominari" (meaning to forebode or threaten). The word describes a strong feeling of disgust or hatred towards something, as if one wishes to distance oneself from it.

Memory Tip

Think of wanting to be 'away from' ('ab-') something that you 'forebode' ('ominari') or find threatening — that's why abominate means to strongly dislike or detest.

Visually Confused Words