loathing

noun

loath·​ing ˈlō-t͟hiŋ How to pronounce loathing (audio)
: extreme disgust : detestation
She regarded his hypocrisy with loathing.

Examples of loathing in a Sentence

She expressed her intense loathing of his hypocrisy. She regarded his hypocrisy with loathing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Jean-Baptiste, her mouth set in a tight-lipped frown, her eyes ablaze with fear and loathing, soft-pedals nothing. Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 3 Jan. 2025 State of play: Martin Luther King Jr. Day coinciding with the Jan. 20 inaugural ceremony gives many Democrats an easy out, though others planning to stay away cited a distaste for inaugurations, a loathing of Trump — and even fears for their safety. Erin Doherty, Axios, 14 Dec. 2024 Jeremy Irons delivers one of his best performances as Simba’s uncle, Scar, whose loathing for his family leads him to stage a coup and rule the Pride Lands into ruin. Josh Spiegel, Vulture, 24 July 2024 The support and affection for him that predominates online—its photo negative is the fear and loathing directed at our health-care system—appears to extend to the jail where he is being held. Jessica Winter, The New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for loathing 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of loathing was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near loathing

Cite this Entry

“Loathing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loathing. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

loathing

noun
loath·​ing
ˈlō-t͟hiŋ
: very great dislike : extreme disgust

More from Merriam-Webster on loathing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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