adjective

detestable

dih-TEST-uh-bl/dɪˈtestəbl/

Deserving intense dislike or disgust.

The man's detestable cruelty toward the dog prompts another person to intervene.

A man's deliberate cruelty toward a small, cowering dog earns another man's unmistakable disgust and intervention, making the behavior visibly worthy of strong dislike.

Etymology

deLatindown, from

+testLatinto bear witness

+ableLatincapable or worthy of being

The witness root belongs to an expression meaning “denounce with one's testimony,” which developed into cursing or expressing abhorrence. Something detestable is therefore worthy of that strong condemnation.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain5:28

… to avoid so monstrous and detestable a sight was one principal motive of my retirement hither

1700s Satire: Jonathan Swift - Gulliver's Travels (Audiobook)

More examples

He has a detestable habit of mocking people who need help.
I find their casual cruelty detestable.
The novel's charming villain does some truly detestable things.

Forms

detestable

detest verb — To dislike someone or something intensely.

detestably adverb — In a way that deserves intense dislike.

Similar words

abhorrent: Emphasizes deep revulsion, especially toward morally offensive actions or beliefs.
loathsome: Emphasizes intense disgust, whether caused by appearance, behavior, or character.