'abhorrent' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abhorrens,' where 'ab-' meant 'away from' and 'horrere' meant 'to shudder.'

'abhorrens' transformed into the French word 'abhorrent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abhorrent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to shudder away from something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'inspiring disgust and loathing.'