Definition of monstrous

The word "monstrous" originates from the Latin "monstrum," which means "ominous sign" or "portent." In ancient Rome, a monster was a creature or being that was considered a bad omen or a symbol of evil. The Latin term "monstrum" was later borrowed into Middle English as "monster" and eventually evolved into the adjective "monstrous," meaning eerie, terrifying, or unnatural. In modern English, "monstrous" is often used to describe something that is disgusting, horrifying, or unnatural. For example, a monstrous creature might be a giant, grotesque being that inspires fear and revulsion. The word's origins in ancient Rome highlight the idea that what is considered monstrous can vary across cultures and time periods, and that the concept of the monstrous has long been a part of human imagination and storytelling.