How can something be described as ghastly?

When something is described as ghastly, it conveys a sense of extreme horror, shock, or dread. The term typically evokes vivid imagery aligned with something that is not just frightening but also disturbingly so, often associated with death, injury, or other forms of severe distress. This fits directly with the description of something being shockingly frightful, as it captures the intensity and severity of the experience or appearance that the word "ghastly" implies.

This term is not associated with timidity or shyness, visual appeal, or entertainment, which would convey a more positive or neutral reaction. Instead, the essence of "ghastly" fundamentally centers around evoking fear and revulsion.