aghast — filled with shock or horror; extremely surprised and upset
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: filled with shock or horror; extremely surprised and upset
Pronunciation (IPA): /əˈɡæst/
Example Sentences
- The teacher was aghast to find students using ChatGPT for their homework.
- I was aghast when I realized I'd been wearing my shirt inside out all day.
- The investors stood aghast as the stock price plummeted.
aghast
ADJECTIVE[/əˈɡæst/]
filled with shock or horror; extremely surprised and upset
She stood aghast at the disastrous mess in the kitchen.
A(one) + GHAST(ghost) — suddenly seeing A(one) real GHAST(ghost) in the mirror, the tough soldier was left completely aghast.
Hearing the massive, sudden blast, the peaceful crowd was left completely aghast.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'aghast', the past participle of 'agasten', which derives from Old English 'gæstan' meaning 'to terrify or frighten'. The prefix 'a-' intensifies the verb.
Breakdown
a- (intensive prefix) + ghast (from Old English gæstan, 'to terrify') = aghast (terrified, shocked)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teacher was aghast to find students using ChatGPT for their homework.”
“I was aghast when I realized I'd been wearing my shirt inside out all day.”
“The investors stood aghast as the stock price plummeted.”
“She was aghast at the mess her roommate had made in the kitchen.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.