lurid

UK: /ˈljʊərɪd/ US: /ˈlʊrɪd/ ,(lŏŏr′id)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

lu•rid /ˈlʊrɪd/   adj. 

1. shocking;
   gruesome:
   the lurid details of the accident.
2. shining with an unnatural, fiery glow:
   a lurid sunset.

lu•rid•ly, adv. 
lu•rid•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

lu•rid  (lŏŏr′id), adj. 

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.

• Latin lūridus sallow, ghastly
• 1650–60

lu′rid•ly, adv. 
lu′rid•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 5. dismal, pale, murky.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

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

Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin lūridus pale yellow; probably related to lūtum a yellow vegetable dye

ˈluridly adverb

ˈluridness noun