appall

[ 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 dark vision at the heart of The Casual Vacancy may appall you, but it is not easily dismissed.

From The Daily Beast

Our house had been struck twice and the shrieking balls and bursting bombs were enough to appall the stoutest heart.

From Project Gutenberg

The sight of the glaring eyes and the blood-red fangs was enough to appall the stoutest heart.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a far-reaching programme might well appall the most energetic reformer, but Dr. Buttrick set to work.

From Project Gutenberg

She with such fear O'erwhelmed me, at the sight of her appall'd, That of the height all hope I lost.

From Project Gutenberg

These men never pause before obstacles which would appall others.

From Project Gutenberg