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gruesome

adjective

/ˈgru səm/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of gruesome

Extremely shocking, disturbing, or repulsive, particularly in relation to violence, death, or horror.
"The horror movie had some gruesome scenes that made the audience cover their eyes."

Detailed meaning of gruesome

It evokes a sense of dread, disgust, and morbid fascination. When we encounter something gruesome, it often elicits strong feelings of horror or revulsion due to its graphic or gruesome nature. It may involve explicit details of gore, brutality, or cruelty that can be disturbing to witness or imagine. The term 'gruesome' is frequently associated with macabre scenes, gruesome crimes, or horrifying acts that defy societal norms. It serves as a stark reminder of the darker aspects of human experience, making us confront the unsettling and unsettlingly violent sides of life that we often prefer to ignore.

Example sentences containing gruesome

1. The crime scene was a gruesome sight, with blood splattered everywhere.
2. The detective uncovered a gruesome murder case that shocked the entire community.
3. She couldn't bear to watch the gruesome images on the news.
4. The novel delves into the gruesome details of the serial killer's crimes.
5. The haunted house was filled with gruesome decorations and eerie sounds.
6. The forensic team had to carefully examine the gruesome evidence to gather clues.

History and etymology of gruesome

The adjective 'gruesome' finds its origins in the early 17th century, and it is derived from the word 'grewsome,' which meant 'inspiring fear' or 'horrible.' The word 'grewsome' is a combination of 'grew,' an archaic term meaning 'to shudder' or 'to be afraid,' and the suffix '-some,' which is used to form adjectives indicating the quality or characteristic described. Over time, 'grewsome' evolved into 'gruesome,' and its meaning expanded to describe something extremely shocking, disturbing, or repulsive, particularly in the context of violence, death, or horror. The etymology of 'gruesome' reflects its historical association with fear and horror, making it a suitable descriptor for situations and events that evoke intense feelings of shock and disgust.

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Further usage examples of gruesome

1. The surgeon described the gruesome injuries sustained by the accident victims.
2. The documentary showed the gruesome reality of animal testing in laboratories.
3. The medieval torture devices on display at the museum were truly gruesome.
4. The true crime podcast narrated the gruesome stories of infamous killers.
5. The forensic photographer captured every gruesome detail of the crime scene for investigation.
6. The crime scene photos were too gruesome to display.
7. The movie depicted a gruesome murder in vivid detail.
8. The accident scene was a gruesome sight to behold.
9. Her vivid description of the battle was truly gruesome.
10. The horror film featured a series of gruesome killings.
11. The details of the crime were too gruesome for public release.
12. The surgeon had to perform a gruesome procedure.
13. The gruesome images haunted his nightmares for weeks.
14. The crime scene investigation revealed gruesome evidence.
15. The documentary showed the gruesome reality of war.
16. The autopsy report contained gruesome findings.
17. The book described the gruesome history of the asylum.
18. The gruesome scene in the movie made her cringe.
19. Witnesses were traumatized by the gruesome accident.
20. The news report covered the gruesome murder trial.
21. The gruesome photographs shocked the jury.
22. The horror novel was filled with gruesome descriptions.
23. The crime scene was a gruesome puzzle for investigators.
24. The gruesome details of the crime shocked the community.
25. The movie's special effects created a truly gruesome scene.