Macabre

/məˈkɑːb/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Disturbing and horrifying because of involvement with or depiction of death and injury.

The film's macabre themes explored the darker sides of human nature.

Having the quality of being grim or ghastly.

Her macabre sense of humor often left people feeling uneasy.

Illustrating or emphasizing the horrors of death or decay.

The artist's macabre paintings captured the essence of mortality.

From French 'macabre', related to 'dance macabre' or 'dance of death', which depicts death in art and literature.

dance macabre

A symbolic representation of death's universality, often depicted in art.

macabre humor

Humor that is dark and often involves death or grotesque themes.

gruesome

Causing repulsion or horror; grisly.

morbid

Characterized by an abnormal and unhealthy interest in disturbing subjects.

ghastly

Causing great horror or fear; frightful or macabre.

Darkly humorous or intentionally disturbing content.

That comedian's macabre jokes are not for everyone.

Aesthetic preference for dark or sinister themes.

She has a macabre taste in art and often decorates her room with skulls.