What does agast mean?
The word 'agast' is an adjective that describes a state of being utterly shocked or amazed. It is often used to convey a sense of being speechless or stunned, as if one's words have been taken away. This word is commonly used in British and American English, and its connotation is one of intense surprise or astonishment. In context, 'agast' can be used to describe a person's reaction to a sudden or unexpected event, such as a natural disaster or a shocking revelation. The word is often used in formal and informal writing, and its usage is not typically regional. Overall, 'agast' is a useful word for describing a strong emotional response to a surprising or unexpected event.
adjective
Utterly shocked or amazed, often to the point of being speechless or stunned.
- 1. Utterly shocked or amazed, often to the point of being speechless or stunned.
"The news of the sudden earthquake left the entire town agast, with many people unable to speak or move."
"The news of the sudden earthquake left the entire town agast, with many people unable to speak or move."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of agast
The word 'agast' is derived from the Old English word 'ægast', which means 'utterly shocked or amazed'. This word is thought to have originated from the Proto-Germanic word '*agiz', which is also the source of the Modern English word 'awestruck'.
Usage notes
The word 'agast' is often used in formal and informal writing to describe a strong emotional response to a surprising or unexpected event. It is commonly used in British and American English, and its connotation is one of intense surprise or astonishment.