ghastly
UK: ˈɡɑːstli | US: ˈɡæstli
adj. causing great horror or fear; terrifying
adj. extremely unpleasant or bad
adj. pale or ill-looking
ghastly = ghast<fright> + ly<adjective suffix>
- ghast (from Middle English gasten, meaning "to terrify," related to Old English gǣstan "to frighten")
- ly (a common English suffix forming adjectives, meaning "having the qualities of")
Etymology Origin:
The word ghastly originates from the Middle English gastlich, combining gasten (to frighten) and -lich (an adjectival suffix akin to modern -ly). The root ghast evolved from Old English gǣstan, linked to the concept of fear or terror. Over time, ghastly expanded from describing literal horror to metaphorical unpleasantness or physical pallor (e.g., a "ghastly complexion"). The suffix -ly solidifies its role as an adjective.
The ghost story left the children with ghastly nightmares.
She wore a ghastly shade of green to the party.
His face turned ghastly pale after hearing the news.
The crime scene was a ghastly sight.
The weather took a ghastly turn during the storm.