WordDream · Your AI dictionary

aghast

English → EnglishliteraryInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "aghast": The word "aghast" describes a state of sudden, overwhelming shock or horror. Imagine someone standin

What does "aghast" mean?

The word "aghast" describes a state of sudden, overwhelming shock or horror. Imagine someone standing frozen, mouth slightly open, eyes wide, as if they have just witnessed something so terrible or unexpected that they are momentarily unable to speak or move. It is a visceral reaction to a shocking event. While it is a powerful descriptor, "aghast" is rarely used in casual daily conversation. It belongs to a more literary or formal register, often appearing in news reports, novels, or dramatic storytelling to emphasize the gravity of a situation. You might be "aghast at" a discovery or "look aghast" when confronted with bad news.

"aghast" in conversation

Reacting to a scandal

Did you see the news about the CEO?

Did you see the news about the CEO?

I’m absolutely aghast.

I’m absolutely aghast.

Used to express deep moral shock.

Finding a mess

Look at this kitchen! What happened?

Look at this kitchen! What happened?

I stood there aghast, unable to explain the flour covering the walls.

I stood there aghast, unable to explain the flour covering the walls.

Used to describe a paralyzed state of disbelief.

"aghast" in a sentence

  1. She was aghast at the sight of the broken vase.

    She was aghast at the sight of the broken vase.

  2. The public was left aghast by the sudden resignation of the beloved leader.

    The public was left aghast by the sudden resignation of the beloved leader.

  3. He stared, utterly aghast, as his carefully constructed plan collapsed before his eyes.

    He stared, utterly aghast, as his carefully constructed plan collapsed before his eyes.

Not another dictionary

An AI-native multilingual dictionary: decode the words other dictionaries can't handle.

WordDream explains every word the way a teacher would, with real-life scenes, graded examples, audio and a picture. It also covers what traditional dictionaries miss: names, places, proper nouns, internet slang, and words that don't translate.

And it isn't just English. Look up words in any language, keep a multilingual Notebook, and turn your saved words into stories with Spin a yarn.

Try WordDream: Look up a wordOpen “aghast” in WordDream

Free account · sign in to use features

More everyday & curious words

Browse the whole set in Everyday & Curious Words.

Explained by WordDream, an AI-native multilingual dictionary.