lurid

 
Pronunciation: /ˈl(j)ʊərɪd/

adjective

  • unpleasantly bright in colour, especially so as to create a harsh or unnatural effect: lurid food colourings a pair of lurid shorts
  • presented in vividly shocking or sensational terms: the more lurid details of the massacre were too frightening for the children

Derivatives

luridly

adverb

luridness

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century (in the sense 'pale and dismal in colour'): from Latin luridus; related to luror 'wan or yellow colour'