Search

causing repugnance; detestable; loathsome:
an abhorrent deed.
utterly opposed, or contrary, or in conflict (usually followed by to):
abhorrent to reason.
feeling extreme repugnance or aversion (usually followed by of):
abhorrent of waste.
remote in character (usually followed by from):
abhorrent from the principles of law.
Contemporary Examples

In that interview, Paul made it a point to frequently note how he finds discrimination “abhorrent.”
Why Blacks Aren’t Libertarians Keli Goff August 10, 2014

But one description was abhorrent on a level far above politics: “Aspergery.”
Yes, ‘Aspergery’ Is a Slur and It’s Time to Stop Using It Emily Shire October 29, 2014

To be clear, what Peterson (allegedly) did is abhorrent and almost beyond comprehension.
Adrian Peterson’s ‘Whooping’ and Ray Rice’s Knockout Are Both Domestic Violence Robert Silverman September 12, 2014

Many of the emails said that while all of their other actions are abhorrent, the burning of Korans is commendable.
Inside the Real Koran-Burning Church Amarnath Amarasingam September 10, 2010

But I have never met someone who actually confronts people for their abhorrent behavior after the workplace bullying is over.
Should You Confront Your Old Bully? Keli Goff August 3, 2014

Historical Examples

Is it monstrous, abhorrent to nature, that a man should fire a pistol from under a cloak on a rainy day?
The Paris Sketch Book of Mr. M. A. Titmarsh William Makepeace Thackeray

And her behavior, to a man to whom scenes were abhorrent, proved trying in the extreme.
The Genius Margaret Horton Potter

She blushed at the collision with it, and became a very allegory of innocence confronted with abhorrent evil.
We Can’t Have Everything Rupert Hughes

As it was, his motives were as abhorrent, as his methods were foolish and contemptible.
My Bondage and My Freedom Frederick Douglass

To defraud, to cheat, to wrong, had at one time been most abhorrent to her nature.
The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 2, May, 1851 Various

adjective
repugnant; loathsome
when postpositive, foll by of. feeling extreme aversion or loathing (for): abhorrent of vulgarity
usually postpositive and foll by to. conflicting (with): abhorrent to common sense
adj.

1610s, “in a position or condition to recoil,” usually with from; from Latin abhorentem (nominative abhorrens), present participle of abhorrere; see abhor. Meaning “repugnant” is from 1650s. Earlier was abhorrable (late 15c.).