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macabre

adjective

/məˈkɑːbrə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of macabre

Gruesome, eerie, or disturbing, often associated with themes related to death, the supernatural, or the grotesque.
"The macabre details of the crime shocked the community."

Detailed meaning of macabre

When a scene, story, or artwork is described as macabre, it implies that it elicits a sense of horror, fascination, or morbid curiosity due to its dark and unsettling nature. This term conveys a feeling of the macabre's ability to evoke fear, discomfort, or fascination in those who encounter it. For example, a macabre horror movie might feature gruesome and terrifying scenes, while a macabre painting could depict haunting and grotesque imagery. "Macabre" underscores the idea of something being deeply unsettling and associated with themes of death and horror.

Example sentences containing macabre

1. The macabre painting depicted a haunting scene of death and decay.
2. She had a fascination with macabre literature, devouring horror novels.
3. The abandoned house had a macabre atmosphere, with eerie shadows and creaking floorboards.
4. They attended a macabre-themed costume party, dressed as ghouls and vampires.
5. The macabre tale sent shivers down their spines, leaving them sleepless at night.
6. The artist's work had a dark and macabre quality, exploring the depths of human existence.

History and etymology of macabre

The adjective 'macabre' has its etymological origins in the French language, specifically from the phrase 'danse macabre,' which means 'dance of death.' The 'danse macabre' was a medieval allegorical concept that depicted death as an equalizer, where people from all walks of life, from kings to peasants, danced with death in a procession, symbolizing the universality of mortality. This concept was often depicted in art, literature, and theater during the Middle Ages. Over time, 'macabre' came to describe anything that is gruesome, eerie, or disturbing, often associated with themes related to death, the supernatural, or the grotesque. When something is described as 'macabre,' it carries a sense of the morbid and unsettling, evoking imagery that can be both chilling and fascinating. The etymology of 'macabre' underscores its historical connection to the depiction of death and the afterlife, emphasizing its role in describing themes that provoke a sense of eerie fascination and dread.

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Further usage examples of macabre

1. The macabre music video featured unsettling visuals and twisted imagery.
2. They explored the macabre history of the haunted mansion, uncovering tales of tragedy.
3. The macabre carnival showcased bizarre performances and grotesque displays.
4. She had a macabre sense of humor, finding laughter in the morbid and grotesque.
5. The macabre sculpture evoked a sense of unease and fascination.
6. They wandered through the macabre art exhibition, mesmerized by its disturbing beauty.
7. The macabre story unfolded with each spine-chilling twist and turn.
8. He was drawn to the macabre genre of films, relishing in the thrill of fear.
9. The macabre imagery in the horror movie left an indelible mark on their psyche.
10. They were captivated by the macabre folklore surrounding the old cemetery.
11. The macabre novel explored the blurred line between life and death.
12. She collected macabre trinkets and curiosities, filling her shelves with oddities.
13. They attended a macabre theatrical performance, filled with dark humor and gruesome scenes.
14. The macabre photograph captured a moment frozen in time, etching despair onto the viewer's soul.