Despise

To despise is to feel intense dislike or contempt for something or someone. This feeling typically involves a deep-seated aversion and a sense of moral disgust. It often arises from perceiving the object of scorn as evil, worthless, or deserving of scorn. Despising can range from a general disapproval to a vehement hatred, influencing one's actions and interactions, potentially leading to avoidance, ridicule, or even hostility. It suggests a stronger emotional response than simply disliking, representing a profound rejection based on perceived negative qualities. Despising something typically reflects a strong value judgement, as well, placing it at odds with ones own values.

Despise meaning with examples

• Growing up in a community marred by corruption, Sarah learned to despise those who abused their power and profited from the suffering of others. The constant disregard for the well-being of her neighbors fueled a righteous anger, motivating her to advocate for change, and her actions directly reflected the strength of her disgust.
• The detective began to despise the criminal underworld, each case reinforcing his revulsion for their lies, exploitation, and disregard for life. He saw their actions as a violation of basic morality. It led to a dogged pursuit of justice, driven by the desire to rid the city of such depravity and make it a better place.
• After witnessing the betrayal of his closest friend, Mark began to despise the act of deception in any form. It didn't matter who it was, he considered it a horrible thing to do. He found he could no longer trust people's words. The broken trust from someone so close caused him a lasting sense of hurt and cynicism.
• As the environmental damage worsened, many people began to despise the companies whose policies contributed to the destruction of our planet. Their negligence fueled a powerful sense of moral outrage, which in turn drove people towards eco-activism and a demand for more responsible behavior.