appall

American  

[uh-pawl] / əˈpɔl /

especially British, appal

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

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Related Words

See frighten.

Etymology

Origin of appall

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; see pale ¹

Explanation

That tattoo on your lower back is likely to appall your mother. Just like her pink hair once appalled your grandmother. To appall is to shock and disgust. Appall comes from an Old French word meaning "to make pale." If a gory scene in a movie appalls you, you're likely to turn pale. The word appall always carries with it the feeling of disgust. You might be shocked by a loud noise, but in order for it to appall you, it would probably have to come along with a really foul smell or a gruesome scene.

Example Sentences

The general reaction to “MASS” was that of appall, no matter whether you worshipped Bernstein or couldn’t bear him, whatever your political or cultural orientation.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2025

The blasts shoo the ravenous harbor seals off for a moment, and thrill — or appall — the tourists.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 2, 2022

But its two volumes nonetheless have the power to shock and appall.

From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2019

Even if you’re steeped in the saga of Steubenville, the film contains plenty to appall you afresh.

From The New Yorker • Mar. 22, 2019

“Mr. Slopes compliments appall me, ’’said Signora Neroni. arctic.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner