Macabre

Macabre

Adjective · /məˈkɑː.brə/

Definition

Disturbing because it is concerned with death and injury, especially in a way that treats the subject matter with dark humour or excessive attention to gruesome detail; having a grim or horrifying quality.

Origin

From French macabre, in the phrase danse macabre (dance of death). The origin of macabre is disputed: possibly from the Latin Maccabaeorum Chorea (dance of the Maccabees), referring to a dramatic representation of death drawing people to their graves associated with the story of the Maccabee martyrs; or possibly from a proper name. The word entered English in the 19th century. The danse macabre was a medieval allegorical concept depicting Death leading people of all ranks to their graves.