This intensive verb expresses violent hatred or abhorrence—stronger than simple dislike, it conveys visceral repulsion. Herodotus uses it for someone abhorring the idea of a particular marriage alliance, while classical authors pair it with rejecting wine in favor of water (or vice versa). The perfect tense often functions with present meaning: 'to have come to hate' something thoroughly. Paul employs it in his ethical instruction about love, commanding believers to 'abhor what is evil' while clinging to what is good.