lurid

[loor-id]

adjective

1. gruesome; horrible; revolting.

   the lurid details of an accident.

2. glaringly vivid or sensational; shocking.

   the lurid tales of pulp magazines.

3. terrible in intensity, fierce passion, or unrestraint.

   lurid crimes.

4. lighted or shining with an unnatural, fiery glow; wildly or garishly red.

   a lurid sunset.

5. wan, pallid, or ghastly in hue; livid.

   Synonyms: murky, pale, dismal

lurid

/ ˈlʊərɪd, ˈljʊərɪd /

adjective

1. vivid in shocking detail; sensational

2. horrible in savagery or violence

3. pallid in colour; wan

4. glowing with an unnatural glare

Other Word Forms

• luridly adverb
• luridness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lurid¹

First recorded in 1650–60, lurid is from the Latin word lūridus sallow, ghastly

Word History and Origins

Origin of lurid¹

C17: from Latin lūridus pale yellow; probably related to lūtum a yellow vegetable dye

Example Sentences

Presented with Thomas Harris’ bestselling novel “The Silence of the Lambs,” most Hollywood directors would have been primarily enticed by the lurid appeal of its serial killers, Hannibal “The Cannibal” Lecter and “Buffalo Bill.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s also lurid proof that Charles Darwin missed out on the truly juicy survival-of-the-fittest action by about a hundred years.

From Los Angeles Times

Take that ancient trope and marry it to a modern lack of faith in the federal government and its institutions and you’re gifted with an endless source of lurid speculation.

From Los Angeles Times

Combs’ reputation has been thoroughly tainted by the lurid details of the trial and strong condemnations from his many accusers.

From Los Angeles Times

In parts of the capital Bangkok it is impossible to escape the lurid green glare of their neon signs and the constant smell of people smoking their products.

From BBC

Related Words

• exaggerated 
• ghastly 
• gory 
• grim 
• grisly 
• horrifying 
• macabre 
• obscene 
• racy 
• revolting 
• sensational 
• startling 
• violent 
• vivid