grisly

gris·ly

adjective \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

See Synonym Discussion at ghastly

Rhymes with GRISLY

grizzly, mizzly