Ghastly

usgb/ˈɡæstli/
adjective

Very terrible or upsetting to see or think about.

The murder scene was too ghastly to describe.
Visual representation of "ghastly" - Very terrible or upsetting to see or think about

Often appears as...

  • ghastly sight
  • ghastly crime
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "ghastly"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Shock Value

Use 'ghastly' to express shock or strong disapproval of something visually or morally disturbing.

Illustration for Shock Value
The ghastly images from the war-torn area shocked everyone.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Intensity

Use 'ghastly' to intensify the description of a horrifying scene or event, beyond 'bad' or 'unpleasant'.

Illustration for Intensity
After the earthquake, survivors described the aftermath as ghastly.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literal

Sometimes 'ghastly' is used metaphorically to express a severe level of disapproval unrelated to physical sights.

Illustration for Not Literal
Her betrayal felt ghastly, leaving a lingering sense of unease.
Visual representation of the word "Ghastly"

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