Aghast

Aghast is an adjective meaning filled with shock, horror, or overwhelming surprise. It describes a strong emotional reaction to something disturbing or unexpected and is commonly used to refer to people or groups. In modern English, it can function predicatively after a linking verb (for example, The crowd was aghast) or be used attributively in descriptive writing (an aghast expression). It is often followed by at or by, as in aghast at the news or aghast by the revelation; the phrase standing, looking, or remaining aghast is also common.

Etymology and related forms: Aghast comes from Middle English agast or aghast, with its origin linked to Old English gast, meaning breath, spirit, or soul. The a- prefix adds an intensifying sense, yielding “in a state of fright.” The word is related to ghastly, and both derive from the same root connected to ghostly or frightening connotations.

Usage notes: Aghast tends to appear in formal, literary, or narrative contexts; in everyday speech, speakers may substitute synonyms such as shocked, horrified, or astonished. It is largely used to convey a striking or dramatic reaction, often to news, events, or discoveries.

Examples: The town was aghast at the wildfire’s rapid spread. She stood aghast when the verdict was announced.

See also: ghastly; aghast at; stand/ look aghast.