This is the 4788th most frequent Russian word.
застал
"Застал" means "caught" or "found" someone or something in a particular situation or state.
To find or encounter someone unexpectedly, causing surprise.
Он меня застал врасплох.
He caught me off guard.
To find or stumble upon someone being present at a specific place or time.
Я застал его дома, когда пришёл.
I found him at home when I came.
To be present at or observe an event or moment as it occurs.