abhor

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabhorreō“shrink away from in horror”
2. Middle French · derived fromabhorrer
3. Middle English · inherited fromabhorren
4. English todayabhor

First attested in 1449, from Middle English abhorren, borrowed from Middle French abhorrer, from Latin abhorreō (“shrink away from in horror”), from ab- (“from”) + horreō (“stand aghast, bristle with fear”).

First known use, by meaning

• First attested from around (1350 to 1470). To regard (someone or something) as horrifying or detestable; to feel great repugnance toward.
• Attested from the mid 16ᵗʰ century until the early 17ᵗʰ century. To fill with horror or disgust.
• Attested from the mid 16ᵗʰ century until the mid 17ᵗʰ century. To feel horror, disgust, or dislike (towards); to be contrary or averse (to); construed with from.
• Attested from the mid 16ᵗʰ century until the late 17ᵗʰ century. Differ entirely from.