appal

[uh-pawl]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR appal ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), ap·palled, ap·pal·ling.

appall.

Nearby words

appall

or ap·pal

[uh-pawl]

verb (used with object)

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.

Origin of appall

1275–1325; Middle English < Middle French ap(p)allir to grow or make pale, equivalent to a- a-⁵ + pal(l)ir in same sense; see pale¹

SYNONYMS FOR appall

horrify, daunt. See frighten.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR appall ON THESAURUS.COM

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for appalled

Israelis often are amused and appalled by the crazies attracted to the Holy Land, and not only for religious reasons.
The Strange Case of the Christian Zionist Terrorist|Creede Newton|December 14, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But outsiders, generally, are embarrassed or appalled, and so are a growing number of locals.
Dutch Try to Save Santa’s Slave|Nadette De Visser|December 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The notion of anarchy so appalled the conservative Reagan, he came out against Briggs, and it was defeated.
Gay Activist David Mixner: I Mercy Killed 8 People|Tim Teeman|October 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The world was appalled by his actions and many questioned whether he would ever be able to return to the world of fashion.
Is Designer John Galliano Back for Good?|Justin Jones|October 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The current Queen, who urged Scottish voters to “think very carefully” before destroying the United Kingdom, would be appalled.
Voter Intimidation Grips Scotland as It Votes on Independence|Nico Hines|September 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Appalled, almost unmanned, I bowed my head still lower as the quick tears of rage wet my lashes.
The Reckoning|Robert W. Chambers
As she enlarged upon this phase of her life Victor was appalled by it.
Victor Ollnee's Discipline|Hamlin Garland
He expected her to be appalled by this; but she stood still, thinking it over.
Tommy and Grizel|J.M. Barrie
He is appalled at the fierce conflict which rages far and wide.
The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Volume I.(of III) 1555-66|John Lothrop Motley
Doby was appalled, as well he might be, by this narrow escape.
Strange Stories of the Great Valley|Abbie Johnston Grosvenor

British Dictionary definitions for appalled

appal

US appall

verb -pals, -palling or -palled or US -palls, -palling or -palled

(tr) to fill with horror; shock or dismay

Word Origin for appal

C14: from Old French appalir to turn pale

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for appalled

appalled

adj.

1570s, "enfeebled;" c.1600, "dismayed;" past participle adjective from appall.

appall

also appal, early 14c., "to fade;" c.1400, "to grow pale," from Old French apalir "become or make pale," from a- "to" (see ad-) + palir "grow pale," from Latin pallere (see pallor). Meaning "cause dismay or shock," is 1530s. Related: Appalled; appalling.

appal

verb (used with object), ap·palled, ap·pal·ling.

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

appall

or ap·pal

verb (used with object)

Origin of appall

Examples from the Web for appalled

appal

US appall

verb -pals, -palling or -palled or US -palls, -palling or -palled

Word Origin for appal

appalled

appall