What does it mean to be "aghast"?

To be "aghast" means to be filled with shock or horror, often in response to something that is unexpected or unsettling. This word conveys a strong emotional reaction, typically one that involves fear or revulsion in reaction to an alarming situation or event.

In the context of the word, when someone is aghast, they are not just surprised; they are overwhelmed by something disturbing that challenges their expectations or moral sensibilities. The intensity of the reaction associated with "aghast" differentiates it from merely being surprised, amused, or curious, which do not carry the same weight of horror or distress.