adjective

aghast

/əˈɡæst/ · say it: uh·GAST

filled with shock and horror

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

shocked and horrified; filled with sudden fear or shock

Examples

She was aghast when she saw the accident.

How to use aghast

Aghast describes a strong emotional reaction mixing shock and horror, typically to something unexpected or disturbing. It often appears in past participle form ('left aghast', 'stood aghast') and is more dramatic and literary than the more common alternatives like 'shocked' or 'horrified'. It emphasizes visible dismay and is often used in narrative writing or when describing moral or aesthetic shock.

Common phrases

left aghast
stood aghast
aghast at
absolutely aghast
looked aghast

Synonyms

horrified · appalled · shocked · dismayed · taken aback

Opposites

delighted · pleased · unfazed

A common mistake

Learners sometimes misuse 'aghast' as an active verb form (e.g., 'I aghast') rather than as an adjective or past participle used predicatively ('I was aghast' or 'left aghast').

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