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. détester. See Testify.] 1. To witness against; to denounce; to condemn.
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.