Dictionary
gruesome
adjective grue·some \ˈgrü-səm\
: causing horror or disgust
Full Definition of GRUESOME
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Variants of GRUESOME
grue·some also grew·some \ˈgrü-səm\
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Origin of GRUESOME
alteration of earlier growsome, from English dialect grow, grue to shiver, from Middle English gruen, probably from Middle Dutch grūwen; akin to Old High German ingrūēn to shiver
First Known Use: circa 1700
Related to GRUESOME
Synonym Discussion of GRUESOME
ghastly, grisly, gruesome, macabre, lurid mean horrifying and repellent in appearance or aspect. ghastly suggests the terrifying aspects of corpses and ghosts <a ghastly accident>. grisly and gruesome suggest additionally the results of extreme violence or cruelty <an unusually grisly murder> <suffered a gruesome death>. macabre implies a morbid preoccupation with the physical aspects of death <a macabre tale of premature burial>. lurid adds to gruesome the suggestion of shuddering fascination with violent death and especially with murder <the lurid details of a crime>.
Rhymes with GRUESOME
GRUESOME Defined for Kids
gruesome
adjective grue·some \ˈgrü-səm\
Definition of GRUESOME for Kids
: causing horror or disgust <Some of the potions had effects almost too gruesome to think about … — J. K. Rowling, Chamber of Secrets>
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