adjective
aghast
uh-GAST/əˈɡæst/
Filled with shock or horror.
The woman looks aghast at the cake toppled onto the kitchen floor.
Etymology
The intensive prefix strengthens a verb meaning “terrify.” Aghast began as “terrified” or “filled with frightened amazement,” which explains its use for sudden horror or dismay.
In context
I was aghast. I said to the Swami, look at that boy. He is giving his shoe to you. He doesn't even know the rudiments of how you should behave with a monk.
More examples
- She was aghast at the cruelty of his remark.
- The family stood aghast when they saw the repair estimate.
- He listened aghast as the full story emerged.
Similar words
- horrified
- Emphasizes fear or disgust rather than stunned astonishment.
- appalled
- Often emphasizes moral dismay at something unacceptable.