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

Sara Hashash, deputy regional director at Amnesty International, described the sentences as "unjust" and "an appalling indictment of the Tunisian justice system".

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Cdr Simon Messinger called the comments and actions "appalling", and said it was "entirely right he has now lost his job".

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"This appalling act in no way reflects the people of Derry," the Sinn Féin deputy leader said.

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Claiming leaks were an "appalling" breach of the ministerial code, Sir Lindsay said in the past "if you were leaking a Budget, you would've been sacked," adding: "You would've been asked to resign."

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Mr Justice Richard Smith described the family's conduct as "appalling", saying it amounted to "bullying, lies and harassment".

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