aghastness
|a-ghast-ness|
C1
🇺🇸
/əˈɡæstnəs/
🇬🇧
/əˈɡɑːstnəs/
(aghast)
shocked and horrified
Etymology
Etymology Information
'aghast' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'agasten,' where 'a-' meant 'intensive' and 'gasten' meant 'to frighten.'
Historical Evolution
'agasten' transformed into the modern English word 'aghast' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'to frighten intensely,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'filled with horror or shock.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Last updated: 2025/05/31 08:36