Detests

To detest is to feel intense and active dislike or disgust towards something or someone. It goes beyond simply disliking; it signifies a deep-seated aversion, often accompanied by strong negative emotions like revulsion, loathing, or hatred. The object of detestation is usually viewed as morally repugnant, unpleasant, or harmful. This strong emotional response can be directed towards abstract concepts (like injustice or cruelty), specific actions (like lying or cheating), or concrete entities (like certain foods, people, or places). Detesting something often implies a deliberate choice to avoid or distance oneself from it due to the powerful negative feelings it evokes. It suggests a conscious rejection based on deeply held values or personal preferences, reflecting a fundamental incompatibility or opposition.

Detests meaning with examples

• The veteran detective detests corruption, viewing it as a cancer that eats away at the fabric of justice. He'd spent his entire career tirelessly pursuing and exposing dishonest officials, each case fueling his profound aversion to the abuse of power. He found the practice of accepting bribes, as a total rejection of the law and the people, and took every possible action to keep the city honest and free.
• Sarah, a lifelong vegetarian, detests the taste and texture of meat. The idea of consuming animal products, to her, is morally objectionable and she cannot imagine eating a chicken sandwich, even if she has not eaten anything for hours. Whenever it's brought into the house, she recoils from the smell, feeling a strong sense of disgust. Even watching others eat it can make her feel ill, a consequence of her personal views and feelings.
• The artist detests the commercialization of art. She believes that such a practice, when it becomes all about money, drains the creative spark, and devalues the artists work. She actively avoids galleries that prioritize profit over artistic integrity and refuses to compromise her vision for the sake of sales. For her art and integrity are entwined as one single object.
• Mark, a clean freak, detests messes. Cluttered spaces and dirty environments cause him significant anxiety and discomfort. Even a single stray sock on the floor or a crumb on the counter can make him feel agitated. He spends hours each day cleaning and organizing his home and workspace, seeking order and control in his environment to escape the dirt.
• The social reformer detests discrimination. Any act or behavior that favors one group over another based on prejudice or arbitrary rules is considered an affront to human dignity. He dedicates his life to fighting for equal rights and justice, finding any injustice deeply troubling and offensive. He finds himself unable to ignore the need to fight for everyone.