gruesome
GROO-suhm
Gruesome (adj) means causing horror or disgust, especially through graphic violence or death. Example: “The news report described the gruesome scene at the crash site.”
adj
1
Causing horror or disgust, especially through graphic violence or death.
"The news report described the gruesome scene at the crash site."
"It's a gruesome horror film, not for the squeamish."
How to use gruesome
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShockingly horrific or grisly, usually describing violence, injury, or death.
Common pairings
gruesome details
a gruesome murder
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Word forms
- Comparative
- gruesomer, more gruesome
- Superlative
- gruesomest, most gruesome
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The news report described the _____ scene at the crash site.
Etymology
Built from the archaic word grue, meaning "to shudder with fear," plus the suffix -some; the word was popularized in the early 19th century partly through the novels of Walter Scott.
Class of 1800
gruesome joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →
Related words
Rhymes for gruesome
See all rhymes for gruesome →Frequently asked questions
What does “gruesome” mean?
The word “gruesome” means causing horror or disgust, especially through graphic violence or death. In plain terms, shockingly horrific or grisly, usually describing violence, injury, or death.
How do you pronounce “gruesome”?
“Gruesome” is pronounced GROO-suhm (/ˈɡɹusəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “gruesome” in a sentence?
Here is “gruesome” used in a sentence: “The news report described the gruesome scene at the crash site.”
What part of speech is “gruesome”?
“Gruesome” is an adjective.
Where does the word “gruesome” come from?
The word “gruesome” dates back to around 1800. Built from the archaic word grue, meaning "to shudder with fear," plus the suffix -some; the word was popularized in the early 19th century partly through the novels of Walter Scott.
Is “gruesome” a common word?
“Gruesome” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
