macabre
UK: məˈkɑːbrə | US: məˈkɑːbrə
adj. 1. disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury.
adj. 2. grim or grotesque, especially in a way that evokes death.
The word "macabre" originates from the Old French phrase danse macabre, meaning "dance of death," a medieval allegorical concept depicting the universality of death. It likely derives from the Latin Machabaeorum, referencing the Maccabees, a Jewish rebel group whose martyrdom stories were associated with grim themes. Over time, the term evolved to describe anything gruesomely suggestive of death.
The artist’s macabre paintings often feature skeletal figures in eerie landscapes.
The novel’s macabre tone unsettled readers with its vivid descriptions of decay.
His humor had a macabre edge, joking about funerals and ghosts.
The film’s macabre climax left the audience in stunned silence.
She collected macabre artifacts, like antique mourning jewelry.