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'etester. 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.
© Webster 1913. | 
