Grotesque

The word "grotesque" describes something that is comically or repulsively ugly or distorted, often in a way that is unsettling or unnatural. It frequently evokes a sense of unease or the macabre due to its deviation from accepted aesthetic standards. It can apply to physical appearance, artistic representations, or even abstract concepts, highlighting their outlandish or bizarre nature. Often implies a distortion of reality that serves to either shock, amuse, or unsettle the viewer or audience.

Grotesque meaning with examples

• The gargoyle perched atop the cathedral was a truly grotesque figure, its features twisted into a horrifying grimace that seemed to watch over the city.
• The artist's paintings were known for their grotesque imagery, depicting distorted human forms and unsettling landscapes designed to provoke a visceral reaction.
• After the accident, the injuries sustained by the car's occupants were described in medical reports as grotesque, requiring extensive surgery.
• The political cartoon featured a grotesque caricature of the president, exaggerating his features to lampoon his policies and personality in a satirical manner.
• The horror movie's special effects employed grotesque makeup and prosthetics, creating terrifying and disfigured monsters to frighten the audience.