C1verbformalemotionspsychology
US/dɪˈtest/
UK/dɪˈtest/
to hate someone or something very strongly
In context
I detest getting up early, especially on cold winter mornings.
She detested her boss and counted the days until she could leave.
Many people detest flying, but they do it anyway for work.
Words that go with detest
verb + preposition
- detest the thought ofI detest the thought of moving back home.
adverb + verb
- utterly detestHe utterly detests being late for meetings.
- absolutely detestI absolutely detest cold coffee.
- cordially detestThe neighbors cordially detest one another.
verb + noun
- detest each otherThe two brothers detest each other and rarely speak.
- detest doing somethingShe detests doing housework on weekends.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
I detest to wait.Correct: I detest waiting.
Incorrect:
I am detest this food.Correct: I detest this food.