'loathe' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'lāðian,' where 'lāð' meant 'hostile or hateful.'

'lāðian' transformed into the Middle English word 'lothen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'loathe.'

Initially, it meant 'to be hateful or hostile,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to feel intense dislike or disgust for.'