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Definition of aghast

aghast

/əˈɡæst/
a · ghast
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aghast Lexical Profile

aghast Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Filled with sudden horror, shock, or amazement.

Example

"The committee members stood aghast at the scale of the financial mismanagement."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for aghast
Antonyms
View all antonyms for aghast

Word Nuance & Usage

"Aghast" is used almost exclusively as a predicate adjective (following a linking verb or noun, as in "they stood aghast") and is routinely followed by the preposition "at." It does not appear directly before a noun in standard modern English.

• Rhymes for aghast

• Nearby Words

aggrieved
aggrievedly
aggro
aghast
agile
agilely
agility

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English "agast," past participle of "agasten" (to frighten), formed from Old English "a-" (intensive prefix) and "gaestan" (to terrify or torment), related to "ghost." The silent "h" was introduced in the 16th century by analogy with "ghastly" and "ghost."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Aghast. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/aghast
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