Detest \De*test"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Detested; p. pr. & vb. n. Detesting.]

[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. d['e]tester. 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)