Word Meaning
ग़ज़ब
ghazab
Meaning
Wrath, severe anger, catastrophe, or an extraordinary marvel.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting divine wrath, fury, or outrage, 'ghazab' in Urdu idiom commonly refers to a catastrophe or a terrible disaster. In this couplet, it is used idiomatically ('kuchh ghazab to nahin hua') to ask whether any catastrophe or unthinkable calamity has occurred. Classical poets also employ it to describe the devastating, overwhelming beauty of the beloved.
Etymology
Arabic root (غ-ض-ب, gh-ḍ-b), meaning anger, wrath, or indignation.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, 'ghazab' is frequently used as an intensifier for both catastrophic ruin and the bewitching, fatal charm of the beloved.
Examples
A sheer catastrophe befell when the veil was lifted.
Her enchanting glance has wrought absolute wonder.