Words / C2

LOORR-id/ˈlʊərɪd/

Lurid means shockingly vivid, especially of sensational or unpleasant colour and detail: lurid headlines, a lurid glow. Graphic can be vividly explicit; sensational is a close cousin. Lure is attract — a lookalike. Do not call a necessary clinical photograph lurid if it is simply clear.

Meaning

Shockingly vivid, especially of unpleasant or sensational detail.

Examples

• “Lurid headlines outran the modest table in the paper.”
• “Lurid splash headlines outran a modest, ugly little table.”
• “Graphic detail can be necessary; lurid detail is painted for shock. Mix-up: lure (attract).”

Good to know

Gaudy; sensationally grim. Close: sensational / graphic (not always pejorative). Mix-up: lure. Necessary clinical clarity is not lurid.

Near in meaning

sensational

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