grisly

gris·ly

adj \ˈgriz-lē\

gris·li·ergris·li·est

Definition of GRISLY

1

: inspiring horror or intense fear <houses that were dark and grisly under the blank, cold sky — D. H. Lawrence>

2

: inspiring disgust or distaste <a grisly account of the fire>

— gris·li·ness noun

Examples of GRISLY

1. The jurors saw grisly photos of the crime scene.
2. <recounted the visit to the murder scene in grisly detail>

Origin of GRISLY

Middle English, from Old English grislic, from gris- (akin to Old English āgrīsan to fear); akin to Old High German grīsenlīh terrible

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to GRISLY

Synonyms: appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, horrible, gruesome (also grewsome), hideous, horrendous, horrid, horrific, horrifying, lurid, macabre, monstrous, nightmare, nightmarish, shocking, terrible, terrific

Related Words: alarming, bloodcurdling, dire, direful, fearful, fearsome, forbidding, formidable, frightening, gut-wrenching, hair-raising, heart-stopping, intimidating, redoubtable, scary, terrifying; abhorrent, deplorable, disagreeable, disgusting, distasteful, loathsome, nauseating, noisome, obnoxious, obscene, offensive, repugnant, repulsive, revolting, sickening; abominable, evil, foul, heinous, noxious, odious, unspeakable, vile; grotesque, ugly, unsightly

Near Antonyms: agreeable, appealing, attractive, delectable, delicious, delightful, enjoyable, enticing, inviting, pleasant, pleasing, pleasurable, satisfying, welcome; cheering, comforting, soothing

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See Synonym Discussion at ghastly

Rhymes with GRISLY

grizzly, mizzly