gruesome

UK: ˈɡruːsəm | US: ˈɡruːsəm

Definition
  1. adj. causing horror or disgust; extremely unpleasant or frightening

Structure
grue <shudder, from Middle English "gruen" (to shudder)>some <adjective suffix, meaning "characterized by">
Etymology

The word "gruesome" originates from the Middle English verb "gruen," meaning "to shudder" (related to Old Norse "grúa," meaning "to dread"). The suffix "-some" (from Old English "-sum") denotes a quality or characteristic. Thus, "gruesome" literally means "characterized by shuddering" or "causing dread." Over time, it evolved to describe anything horrifying or repulsive, emphasizing visceral reactions.

Examples
  1. The detective uncovered a gruesome crime scene.

  2. She couldn’t finish the movie because of its gruesome violence.

  3. The old house had a gruesome legend attached to it.

  4. His injuries were too gruesome to describe in detail.

  5. The witch’s lair was filled with gruesome artifacts.