Ghastly
/ˈɡæstli/
Definitions
2 meaningsCausing or tending to cause horror; terrifying.
/ˈɡæstli/
Causing great horror or fear; dreadful.
The ghastly wounds on the soldier's body were a grim reminder of the battle.
💡 Simply: Imagine a monster in your closet that's super scary and makes you want to scream. That monster is ghastly!
👶 For kids: Scary or terrible!
More Examples
The ghastly weather made the search and rescue mission extremely dangerous.
She described the ghastly details of the crime scene.
The ghastly smell of the garbage was overwhelming.
How It's Used
"The ghastly scene in the haunted house sent shivers down her spine."
"The accident caused a ghastly situation on the highway."
Resembling or suggestive of a ghost.
/ˈɡæstli/
Resembling a ghost.
Her face was ghastly white from the lack of sleep.
💡 Simply: Think about someone who looks like they haven't seen the sun in years. That pale, almost ghostly look? Ghastly!
👶 For kids: Looking like a ghost!
More Examples
The ghastly pale complexion of the patient worried the doctor.
The ghastly light of the full moon illuminated the graveyard.
He cut a ghastly figure in the dim hallway.
How It's Used
"The ghastly white face of the clown gave me nightmares."
Idioms & expressions
ghastly pale
Extremely pale, often due to illness, fear, or shock.
"She looked ghastly pale after hearing the bad news."
From Middle English gastly, meaning 'causing terror' or 'frightening', derived from 'gast', meaning 'spirit' or 'ghost'. Ultimately from Old English gæst, meaning 'spirit, soul'.
The word 'ghastly' has been used since the Middle Ages, initially referring to something terrifying or resembling a ghost. Its usage has largely remained consistent.
Memory tip
Think of a ghost! Ghosts are often portrayed as ghastly figures.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: gæst