Aghast

Feeling great dismay or horror; shocked and terrified. This emotion often stems from the sudden realization of something awful or unexpected. It can manifest physically with a gasp, wide eyes, or a frozen posture, reflecting an inability to process the shocking information. The feeling is temporary but intensely impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the individual's memory. It often involves a sense of disbelief or incredulity at the appalling nature of what has been witnessed or learned.

Aghast meaning with examples

• The audience was aghast when the magician's assistant vanished mid-trick, the stage suddenly empty. The silence was broken only by gasps of shock as the reality of the disappearance settled in, causing a moment of utter stillness before a flurry of confused whispering.
• Hearing the news of the plane crash, the rescue team was aghast by the extent of the damage and the lack of survivors. The sight of the wreckage and the realization of the lives lost left them speechless, their faces etched with a mixture of sorrow and shock.
• The art critic, known for his composure, was aghast at the prices fetched by some of the modern art at the auction. He couldn't fathom such sums for what he considered to be formless scribbles, which left him bewildered by the apparent taste of the wealthy.
• When she opened the door and saw her ex-boyfriend standing there with a strange woman, she was aghast. She was completely unprepared for the sudden appearance and the fact that he was there with a potential new romantic partner.