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Ghoulish Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ghoulish

[ˈɡuːlɪʃ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

horror movies

suggesting the presence of evil; morbid or disgusting in a way that is frightening

Synonyms

ghastly, gruesome, macabre.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ghoulish

This word is appropriate when referring to something that is morbidly fascinated with death or the macabre, often in a way that is disturbing or sickening.

  • His ghoulish interest in crime scenes made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The ghoulish decorations at the Halloween party were too much for some guests.
macabre

Suitable for describing something that is grim and horrifying because it is related to death or violence, often with a sense of eerie fascination.

  • The museum's exhibit on ancient burial practices had a macabre atmosphere.
  • His stories always had a macabre twist.
gruesome

This word is best used when describing something that causes repulsion or horror due to its bloody, gory, and grotesque nature.

  • The film was so gruesome that many in the audience had to look away.
  • The police discovered a gruesome crime scene.
ghastly

Used to describe something that is shockingly frightful or dreadful, often causing horror or intense fear.

  • The accident left a ghastly scene on the highway.
  • She turned ghastly white when she heard the terrible news.

Examples of usage

  • The ghoulish figure lurked in the shadows.
  • The movie was filled with ghoulish scenes of gore and terror.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Ghoulish themes are often explored in horror novels and films, where characters display eerie or unsettling behavior.
  • Edgar Allan Poe, a master of macabre literature, often imbued his works with ghoulish characters and settings.

Pop Culture

  • The term has appeared in various movies and shows, symbolizing characters that are obsessed with death or the supernatural.
  • In modern media, the term is often linked to Halloween, where costumes and decorations evoke ghoulish imagery.

Psychology

  • People often have a fascination with the ghoulish in cinema and literature, reflecting a curiosity about death and the unknown.
  • Studies suggest that enjoying ghoulish themes can serve as a safe way for individuals to confront their fears.

Folklore

  • In many cultures, ghouls are depicted as undead creatures that haunt graveyards, representing the human fear of death.
  • Folklore around the world includes ghoulish beings, integrating various cultural narratives about the afterlife and spirits.

Origin of 'ghoulish'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Arabic 'ghul', which referred to a creature that preys on humans, especially in spooky tales.
  • In early literature, especially in 'The Arabian Nights', ghouls were depicted as both terrifying and mischievous creatures.

The word 'ghoulish' originates from the Arabic folklore creature 'ghūl', which is an evil demon associated with graveyards and consuming human flesh. Over time, the term evolved to describe anything eerie, morbid, or frightful.

See also: ghoul.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,307 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.