grisly
UK: ˈɡrɪzli | US: ˈɡrɪzli
adj. causing horror or disgust; gruesome
adj. extremely unpleasant or frightening
The word "grisly" traces back to Old English "grīsan," meaning "to shudder with fear." Over time, it evolved into Middle English "grisly," retaining its association with terror and dread. The suffix "-ly" transforms it into an adjective, emphasizing its descriptive role in depicting horrifying or repulsive scenes. The word’s chilling connotation has persisted, often used to describe macabre or unsettling imagery.
The detective uncovered grisly evidence at the crime scene.
She recoiled at the grisly details in the horror novel.
The documentary featured grisly footage of the accident.
His grisly tales of war left the audience speechless.
The museum’s exhibit included grisly artifacts from medieval torture.