Appall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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appall
[əˈpɔːl ]
Definition
feeling
greatly dismay or horrify.
Synonyms
alarm, disgust, horror, repel, shock.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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appall |
Used to describe a feeling of strong disapproval or shock, usually due to witnessing something extremely unpleasant or unethical.
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shock |
Usually refers to a sudden, intense feeling of surprise or disbelief, often caused by unexpected or disturbing events.
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horror |
Used to describe an intense feeling of fear, shock, or disgust, often due to witnessing something terrifying or gruesome.
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alarm |
Describes a feeling of sudden fear or anxiety, usually in response to a danger or a disturbing event.
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disgust |
Refers to a strong feeling of aversion or revulsion, often due to something offensive or distasteful.
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repel |
Used to describe a strong negative reaction to something, leading to a desire to avoid or move away from it. Often implies physical or emotional aversion.
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Examples of usage
- It appalled her to see how much her friend had deteriorated.
- The thought of being trapped in a small space appalled him.
- The news of the tragedy appalled the entire community.
- She was appalled by the lack of compassion shown by some people.
- The graphic images in the documentary appalled viewers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'appall'
The word 'appall' originated from the Old French word 'appalir' meaning 'to grow pale' or 'make pale'. Over time, its meaning evolved to convey a sense of great dismay or horror. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to describe the strong emotional reaction of being greatly shocked or horrified.