'abhorrence' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abhorrēns,' where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'horrēre' meant 'to shudder.'

'abhorrēns' transformed into the French word 'abhorrence,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abhorrence' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to shudder away from something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a feeling of repulsion or disgust.'