\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['e]tester. 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}.