Pronunciation: [ɡˈast] (IPA) 
The word "ghast" is spelled with the letter combination "gh" which is often silent in English words. In this word, the "gh" represents the sound /ɡ/ at the beginning of the word, followed by the vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat". The IPA phonetic transcription for "ghast" is /ɡæst/. The silent "h" in "ghast" is a common feature in English spelling and serves to indicate the historical pronunciation of the word.
Ghast can be defined as an adjective describing something that is shocking, horrifying, or terrifying in nature. The term is often used to describe scenes, events, or appearances that evoke fear, dread, or extreme unease. Ghastly and macabre are two concepts closely associated with ghast.
The term can also refer to a state of profound shock or fear in a person. When someone is ghast, they may appear pale, tremble, or have an expression of extreme terror on their face. It can also be used as a verb to mean to shock or terrify someone, as in "the horror movie ghasted the audience".
Furthermore, in some folklore and mythologies, "ghast" is used to describe a type of supernatural creature or monster that brings terror and death. These creatures are often depicted as grotesque, ghostly apparitions or undead beings that haunt and threaten the living.
The term "ghast" derives from the Middle English word "gast," meaning "frightened" or "terrified." It shares its origins with other related words in various Germanic languages that carry similar meanings. The usage of "ghast" has evolved over time to encompass both physical and psychological terror, making it a versatile term to describe a wide range of frightening experiences.
The word "ghast" originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word "gāst" which means "spirit" or "ghost". In Old English, "gāst" was used to refer to both living beings and disembodied spirits. Over time, the meaning of the word shifted, and in modern English, "ghast" primarily conveys the sense of being pale, frightened, or shocked. The term "ghastly" also evolved from this root word, describing something as terrifying or very unpleasant.
