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adj Uncommon

morbid

MAW-bihd

Morbid (adj) means having an unhealthy interest in death, disease, or other disturbing subjects. Example: “He had a morbid fascination with true crime stories.”

adj
1
Having an unhealthy interest in death, disease, or other disturbing subjects.
"He had a morbid fascination with true crime stories."
"It felt a bit morbid to be joking about funerals."
2
Relating to or caused by disease.
"The report described the patient's morbid symptoms in detail."

How to use morbid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishGloomily obsessed with death or illness, or (in medical contexts) related to disease.

Common pairings
morbid curiosity morbid fascination morbid obesity

Word forms

more morbid comparative, most morbid superlative

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He had a _____ fascination with true crime stories.

Etymology

From Latin morbidus, "diseased," from morbus, "sickness," ultimately related to the root for "to die."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for morbid

See all rhymes for morbid →

Frequently asked questions

What does “morbid” mean?

The word “morbid” means having an unhealthy interest in death, disease, or other disturbing subjects. In plain terms, gloomily obsessed with death or illness, or (in medical contexts) related to disease.

How do you pronounce “morbid”?

“Morbid” is pronounced MAW-bihd (/ˈmɔɹ.bɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “morbid” in a sentence?

Here is “morbid” used in a sentence: “He had a morbid fascination with true crime stories.”

What part of speech is “morbid”?

“Morbid” is an adjective.

Where does the word “morbid” come from?

The word “morbid” comes from Latin. From Latin morbidus, "diseased," from morbus, "sickness," ultimately related to the root for "to die.".

Is “morbid” a common word?

“Morbid” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “morbid” have?

“Morbid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: having an unhealthy interest in death, disease, or other disturbing subjects.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial