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

The pulp magazines that featured 20th-century fantasy and science fiction were fronted by illustrations that could be laughable or lurid.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It was once the job of “sleazy” tabloids to destroy lives with lurid gossip that titillated the public but lacked public interest in the high-minded sense.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As well as showing fake bank statements to Earl Spencer, the book highlights a series of lurid and untrue claims Bashir made to him about the Royal Family, including the then Prince Charles.

Read more on BBC

Now we have, as a counterbalance to a lurid male gaze as the season’s new opera for L.A.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Set in the lurid environment of gaming mecca Macau, the movie is notable for assembling good elements, including ‘Conclave’ director Edward Berger, and squandering them.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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