Aghast: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Aghast adjective. Filled with sudden horror or shock.
How to say it
uh-GAHST/əˈɡɑːst/ · American /əˈɡæst/
2 syllables, stressed on the second (GAHST).
Aghast in a sentence
The chef looked aghast as the diner reached for the ketchup.
Aghast at the cost of the repair, they decided to walk for a while.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- appalled
- horrified
- shocked
- dumbfounded
Where aghast comes from
From Middle English agasten, to frighten; the gh came later, by association with ghost.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
_____ at the cost of the repair, they decided to walk for a while.
- choleric
- aghast
- crestfallen
Show the answer
aghast: Aghast at the cost of the repair, they decided to walk for a while.