People with coulrophobia abhor circuses.

The word "abhor" comes from the Latin abhorrēre, meaning "to shrink in horror" or "to shudder at".   It is a combination of ab- ("away from") and horrēre ("to bristle," "to shudder"), which is the same root found in the word horror.  This etymology highlights the strong sense of loathing and repulsion inherent in the word's meaning.  The combination literally means "to shudder away from," which evolved into the modern meaning of "to loathe" or "to regard with disgust". 

Examples of "abhor" used in a sentence: 
"They abhor above all others the highest and worthiest sign... the sacrament of the altar, the precious body and blood of Christ."  
Romans 12:9 of the King James Bible: "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."
"He abhors the way people leave their trash at the picnic sites in the park." 
"The man abhors them the same way the Longhorns despise the Sooners.
"Some even used the words the labor union abhors more than any other: salary cap." 
"It's the use of a legislative tool to block bills you abhor." 
"Chances are you abhorred that kid who used to torture the frogs in biology class."

Five synonyms for abhor are: hate, detest, loathe, despise, abominate.