How to pronounce abhor
Say it like ab-HOR. Abhor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HOR).
- ab
- HOR
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Abhor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- abKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- HORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of abhor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: ub-HAW.
What does abhor mean?
- To regard (someone or something) as horrifying or detestable; to feel great repugnance toward.“I absolutely abhor being stuck in traffic jams.”
- To turn aside or avoid; to keep away from; to reject.
Where does abhor come from?
First attested in 1449, from Middle English abhorren, borrowed from Middle French abhorrer, from Latin abhorreō (“shrink away from in horror”), from ab- (“from”) + horreō (“stand aghast, bristle with fear”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with abhor
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of abhor.
Questions about saying abhor
How do you pronounce abhor?
Say ab-HOR. The American pronunciation is /æbˈhɔr/. In British English it is /əbˈhɔː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in abhor?
Abhor has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HOR). Broken into parts: ab · HOR.
Is abhor pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /əbˈhɔː/ (ub-HAW).