Which of the following words means shockingly frightful?

The word "ghastly" is defined as shockingly frightful or horrifying. It is often used to describe something that causes great fear or dread, conveying a sense of terror or total dismay. The term can refer to grotesque appearances, frightening situations, or deeply unsettling events. Given that the question specifically seeks a word that embodies the idea of something extremely frightening or horrifying, "ghastly" aligns perfectly with this definition.

In contrast, the other words present contrasting meanings: "beautiful" refers to something pleasing or attractive, "delightful" signifies something that gives great pleasure or joy, and "innocuous" means harmless or not likely to provoke a strong reaction. None of these options capture the intense fearfulness that "ghastly" conveys.