What does the term "ghastly" mean?

The term "ghastly" is defined as shockingly frightful, horrifying, or causing great fear. It evokes a strong emotional response related to an extreme sense of dread or terror. This meaning is reflected in various contexts such as literature, film, and everyday conversations when describing something particularly gruesome or alarming. For example, one might refer to a terrifying scene in a horror movie as "ghastly" due to its ability to instill fear.

The other choices do not align with the definition of "ghastly." Describing something as surprisingly joyful implies a sense of happiness that contrasts sharply with the frightful nature of "ghastly." An utterly ridiculous situation suggests something laughably absurd, which does not convey horror. Lastly, calling something extremely dull suggests boredom or lack of interest, which again is vastly different from the intense emotional reaction associated with "ghastly."