lurid

lu·rid

adjective \ˈlu̇r-əd\

Definition of LURID

1

a : causing horror or revulsion : gruesome

b : melodramatic, sensational; also : shocking <paperbacks in the usual lurid covers — T. R. Fyvel>

2

a : wan and ghastly pale in appearance

b : of any of several light or medium grayish colors ranging in hue from yellow to orange

3

: shining with the red glow of fire seen through smoke or cloud

— lu·rid·ly adverb

— lu·rid·ness noun

Examples of LURID

1. a lurid tale of violence and betrayal
2. the lurid lighting of a nightclub
3. The light from the fire cast a lurid glow on everything.

Origin of LURID

Latin luridus pale yellow, sallow

First Known Use: 1603

Related to LURID

Synonyms

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

Antonyms

blooming, florid, flush, full-blooded, glowing, red, rosy, rubicund, ruddy, sanguine

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 LURID

murid