appall

especially British, ap·pal

[uh-pawl]

verb (used with object)

1. to fill or overcome with horror, consternation, or fear; dismay.

   He was appalled by the damage from the fire. I am appalled at your mistakes.

   Synonyms: daunt, horrify

Word History and Origins

Origin of appall¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English, from Middle French ap(p)allir “to grow or make pale,” equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + pal(l)ir in same sense; pale ¹

Synonym Study

See frighten.

Example Sentences

The Young Republican National Federation released a social media statement saying it was “appalled by the vile and inexcusable language revealed” in the chats.

Read more on Salon

Instead, Jillette says, they treat audiences as if they lack intelligence and want to “have something over on them,” and that is something he finds “appalling.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But the reality for Ben Stokes's men is they have an appalling record in Australia and the taunts will mean little when hostilities begin on November 21 at the first Test in Perth.

Read more on Barron's

The communities secretary has said he was "horrified and appalled" a fundraising run in an east London park barred women from participating.

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"What was most appalling and disgusting was that they just continued to kick him while he was on the ground - it was relentless."

Read more on BBC