# gruesome

/ˈɡɹusəm/ (US) · /ɡɹˈuːsʌm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/gruesome
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

extremely unpleasant and shocking because it involves death or injury. You use this to describe things that are very bloody or scary to look at.

For teachers: causing great horror or repulsion; extremely grisly or gory. Often describes physical injuries, crime scenes, or detailed accounts of violence.

## Examples

- The police found gruesome evidence at the crime scene.
- The horror movie was criticized for its gruesome special effects, which many viewers found too realistic to watch.
- Historians often omit the more gruesome details of medieval warfare to focus on the strategic movements of the armies involved.

## Usage notes

- Typically used to describe visual scenes or detailed descriptions of violence; often follows linking verbs like 'look' or 'sound'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.