おぞましい

おぞましい describes something that evokes deep revulsion or horror.

Adjective type

• I-adjective
• Adverbial form: おぞましく

Writing

• Usually written in hiragana
• Can be written as 悍(おぞ)ましい (rare)

Intensity

• Stronger than 気持(きも)ち悪(わる)い (unpleasant)
• Implies visceral reaction of horror/disgust
• Often used for crimes, cruelty, or disturbing scenes

Common collocations

• おぞましい光景(こうけい) (horrifying sight)
• おぞましい事件(じけん) (horrifying incident)
• おぞましい犯罪(はんざい) (loathsome crime)
• おぞましい記憶(きおく) (horrifying memory)
• おぞましい行為(こうい) (disgusting act)

Usage

• News reports about serious crimes
• Literature describing horror/revulsion
• Strong condemnation of behavior
• Not used for mild unpleasantness

Similar words

• 恐(おそ)ろしい (frightening, terrible)
• 気味(きみ)が悪(わる)い (creepy)
• 忌(い)まわしい (detestable, ominous)
• 醜悪(しゅうあく) (な) (hideous, repulsive)

Register: Formal to literary. Common in news and serious writing.