Ghoul

A ghoul is a monstrous creature or spirit, often depicted in folklore, mythology, and fantasy, known for its association with death, cemeteries, and a morbid fascination with consuming corpses. They are typically portrayed as undead, or demon-like beings, exhibiting a grotesque appearance and a ravenous hunger. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who takes a macabre interest in death, disaster, or suffering, deriving pleasure or satisfaction from witnessing or discussing these dark aspects of life. They are frequently portrayed with pale or decaying skin, sharp teeth or claws, and often haunt graveyards, ruins, and other desolate locations. Their origins can be traced to Middle Eastern folklore but have since expanded into global mythos, becoming a popular trope in horror literature, film, and video games. Ghouls represent the dark side of human nature, the fear of mortality, and the taboo of cannibalism or defilement of the dead.

Ghoul meaning with examples

• The ancient tomb was said to be guarded by ghouls, pale figures with decaying flesh, rising from their eternal sleep to devour any who dared trespass within its walls. Locals told horrific stories of their victims, which fueled the town's fear. Their reputation grew from the many missing persons cases. Their insatiable hunger drove them into the darkness.
• In the post-apocalyptic wasteland, survivors knew to avoid the ruined city at night, where packs of ghouls roamed the streets, their eyes glowing in the dim light. The screams of the unfortunate echoed, as they ran but were caught. They were driven to eat by their need to survive, driven to kill to remain alive. Death was just another form of nourishment.
• The detective, haunted by the gruesome crime scene, felt a chill down his spine, realizing that the perpetrator was a true ghoul, deriving pleasure from the suffering of others. The victims were nothing more than toys for them, discarded once their use was over. The gruesome details left him speechless. It seemed no amount of horror would be enough for this killer.
• The horror novel's protagonist battled a horde of ghouls, creatures of the night that rose from their graves, desperate to feast on the living. These creatures were not made from life but from death. Their bodies were grotesque reflections of their desires. Their hunger knew no bounds as they clawed their way out of the earth.
• The online forum was filled with ghoulish users who reveled in the details of a recent tragedy, showing no empathy for the victims, instead, they feasted on the suffering. They would make jokes, mock the pain of others. Their cruelty was bottomless. Their lack of empathy was chilling.