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Aghast Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ˜ฑ
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aghast

[ษ™หˆษกรฆst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

filled with horror or shock

Synonyms

appalled, horrified, shocked, stupefied.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aghast

Used when someone is filled with overwhelming shock or amazement, often to the point of being speechless.

  • She was aghast at the news of the accident.
  • He stood aghast, unable to comprehend what he just witnessed.
horrified

Appropriate for expressing intense fear or shock, particularly in reaction to something frightening or gruesome.

  • She was horrified to find a snake in her garden.
  • He looked horrified at the sight of the car crash.
shocked

Commonly used for general surprise or disbelief, which can be either positive or negative.

  • I was shocked to hear he had won the lottery.
  • They were shocked by the sudden change in weather.
appalled

Usually describing strong feelings of shock or dismay, often due to something unpleasant or morally wrong.

  • I am appalled by the violence in the movie.
  • The citizens were appalled by the government's decision.
stupefied

Typically used when someone is so shocked or surprised that they are temporarily unable to think or react.

  • He stood stupefied after learning about the betrayal.
  • The unexpected news left her stupefied.

Examples of usage

  • She was aghast at the sight of the accident.
  • His aghast expression showed his disbelief.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

stricken with amazement or horror

Synonyms

astonished, dismayed, terrified.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
aghast

Used when someone is filled with shock or horror, often in response to something unexpected or disturbing.

  • She was aghast at the news of the accident.
  • He stood aghast as the building collapsed.
astonished

Appropriate for situations where someone is greatly surprised or impressed, often in a positive or neutral sense.

  • I was astonished by her talent.
  • They were astonished to see the stunning view.
dismayed

Best used when someone is feeling distress or disappointment about a particular event or situation, usually negative.

  • She looked dismayed when she heard the bad news.
  • He was dismayed by the results of the test.
terrified

Used when someone is extremely afraid or scared, usually in situations involving direct danger or intense fear.

  • The noise from the storm left the children terrified.
  • He was terrified when he saw the spider.

Examples of usage

  • The aghast look on her face told it all.
  • The news left him aghast.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'aghast'

The word 'aghast' originated from the Middle English word 'agast', which meant 'terrified'. It has been in use since the 13th century and has retained its meaning of being filled with horror or shock. Over time, 'aghast' has become a common adjective used to describe extreme feelings of fear or shock.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,506, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.