Abide/əˈbaɪd/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Negative Intensity Shows strong dislike or impatience when you can't stand something anymore. He couldn't abide the smell of onions cooking. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight Carries emotional strength, often suggesting a personal limit has been reached. I can't abide liars in my team. Pro Tip 3/3Informal Usage 'Can't abide' is more informal and intensely personal, not usually used in official contexts. She can't abide being late to movies.