loathe
UK[ləʊð]US[loʊð]
v
To feel intense dislike or disgust for someone or something.
Etymology
The verb 'loathe' descends from the Old English 'lāþian', which itself is derived from the adjective 'lāþ', meaning 'hateful, hostile, or repulsive'. This Old English root has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old Saxon 'lēth', Old Norse 'leiðr', and Gothic 'laiths', all carrying the sense of something unpleasant or hated. The core semantic thread from its ancient Germanic origins to modern English is the strong, visceral feeling of aversion, evolving from a general state of being hateful to the active emotion of intense disgust directed at a specific object or person.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. It originates from the Old English word 'lāþian', meaning 'to be hateful or displeasing'. The functional role is as a complete verb root.
Examples
She absolutely loathes the smell of cigarette smoke.
He loathed having to get up early on cold, dark mornings.
The two rivals have loathed each other since their school days.