DETEST De*test", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Detested; p. pr. & vb. n. Detesting.] Etym: [L. detestare, detestatum, and detestari, to curse while calling a deity to witness, to execrate, detest; de + testari to be a witness, testify, testis a witness: cf. F. détester. See Testify.]
1. To witness against; to denounce; to condemn. [Obs.]
The heresy of Nestorius . . . was detested in the Eastern churches.
Fuller.
God hath detested them with his own mouth. Bale.
2. To hate intensely; to abhor; to abominate; to loathe; as, we detest what is contemptible or evil. Who dares think one thing, and another tell, My heart detests him as the gates of hell. Pope.
Syn.
— To abhor; abominate; execrate. See Hate.
DETESTABILITY
De*test`a*bil"i*ty, n.
Defn: Capacity of being odious. [R.] Carlyle.
DETESTABLE
De*test"a*ble, a. Etym: [L. detestabilis: cf. F. détestable.]
Defn: Worthy of being detested; abominable; extremely hateful; very odious; deserving abhorrence; as, detestable vices. Thou hast defiled my sanctuary will all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations. Ezek. v. 11.
Syn.
— Abominable; odious; execrable; abhorred.
DETESTABLENESS
De*test"a*ble*ness, n.