This question does not specify which is the underlined word, just to clarify here is the complete question with the underlined word:
Read and use the thesaurus entry to understand a new word.
Main Entry: loathe Definition: dislike strongly
Synonyms: abhor, be allergic to, decline, despise, find disgusting, hate, revolt, spurn.
Choose the synonym that best clarifies the meaning of the underlined word in the following sentences: Horses are known to loathe snakes. They are instinctively frightened of the serpents and try to stomp on them, if possible.
A. Decline
B. Hate
C. Be allergic
D. Find disgusting
The correct answer to this question is B. Hate
Explanation:
Although, the words decline, hate, or find disgusting, act as synonyms of the word loath (word underlined in the sentence) these are slightly different when used in context. Indeed, in the case of the sentence "Horses are known to loathe snakes" the word "loath" is used to express the negative feelings and reactions horse have towards snakes, this is reinforced by the detail "try to stomp on them, if possible" that show horses do not only try to avoid horses but show a strong dislike or "hate" toward them that even try to hurt snakes. Thus, in this case, "loathe" means "hate" which refers to a strong dislike.