Aghast - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Aghast means filled with shock, horror, or amazement. It describes a strong reaction to something frightening or surprising, often leaving someone speechless or overwhelmed by what they see or hear.
Definition:
Filled with horror or shock.
Synonyms:
horrified, stunned, appalled, dismayed
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
unperturbed, unfazed
Common Collocations:
utterly aghast, looked aghast, stood aghast
Derivatives:
aghastness (rare), aghastly (archaic)
Usage Tips:
Use "aghast" to describe intense shock or horror, often in reaction to something unexpected or terrible.
Common Phrases:
struck aghast, left aghast, rendered aghast
Etymology:
From Middle English "agasten," meaning to terrify, combining "a-" (intensive) + "gasten" (frighten).
Examples:
- 1. She was aghast at the sudden news of the accident.
- 2. The audience sat aghast as the villain revealed his plan.
- 3. He stood aghast when he saw the damage to his car.
- 4. They were aghast by the cruelty of the act.