appall

American

[uh-pawl] / əˈpɔl /

especially British, appal

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.

Synonyms:

daunt, horrify

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; pale ¹

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He added that the burning of the coat suggested that there had been a contemplation of avoiding responsibility, describing it as an "appalling decision".

From BBC

As Ellen Carol DuBois relates in “Elizabeth Cady Stanton,” her subject was appalled to realize that, after the Civil War, men of unexalted background were destined to get the vote before educated women like her.

From The Wall Street Journal

A spokesperson for the Greater London Authority said it was "appalled by this vandalism".

From BBC

In one email she wrote, "I and all residents of the apartment block are appalled and demand this rank be removed swiftly, with immediate effect."

From BBC

Kick It Out, a British-based charity aiming to combat racism in football, issued a statement late Sunday condemning an "appalling weekend" of abuse.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023