Appalled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฑ
appalled
[ษหpษหld ]
Definitions
feeling
greatly dismayed or horrified
Synonyms
astonished, horrified, shocked.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| appalled |
When you are very upset or disgusted by something shocking or unpleasant. There is a strong sense of disapproval or revulsion.
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| horrified |
When you are filled with horror or quite scared by something that is deeply shocking, unsettling, or gruesome.
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| shocked |
Used for a wide range of situations where someone is extremely surprised, either positively or negatively. It generally implies that something is unexpected and emotionally jarring.
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| astonished |
When you are very surprised and impressed, usually in a positive way, by something unexpected. This deals with the sense of wonder and amazement.
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Examples of usage
- His behavior appalled me.
- She was appalled by the news of the accident.
action
greatly dismay or horrify
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| appalled |
Expresses strong feelings of disapproval or disappointment, usually in reaction to something unexpected or morally wrong.
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| shock |
Refers to a sudden and intense feeling of surprise, often with negative emotions such as horror or distress.
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| disgust |
Indicates a strong feeling of aversion or repulsion towards something that is offensive, distasteful, or morally wrong.
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| outrage |
Represents an intense feeling of anger and indignation, often due to an injustice or mistreatment.
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Examples of usage
- The graphic images appalled the viewers.
- The lack of empathy from the leader appalled the citizens.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Being appalled can trigger a strong emotional response, often linked to moral outrage when witnessing injustices.
- The feeling can lead to a fight-or-flight reaction, motivating individuals to take action in the face of what they perceive as wrong.
- Research suggests that experiences of being appalled are often linked to empathy, as they compel individuals to care about the well-being of others.
Literature
- In classic literature, characters often express feelings of being appalled to indicate a turning point in their moral or ethical compass.
- Several famous novels depict characters who are appalled by societal norms, driving critical commentary on cultural values.
- The use of 'appalled' in literature often highlights themes of justice and the human struggle against oppression.
Pop Culture
- The term frequently appears in dramatic films and television shows to emphasize charactersโ reactions to extreme situations.
- In stand-up comedy, comedians might express being appalled at societal trends to provoke laughter and reflection among audiences.
- Social media often captures individualsโ feelings of being appalled by current events, helping to spark global conversations around issues.
Ethics
- Feeling appalled can be a catalyst for social change, as individuals inspired by this emotion often become advocates for justice.
- Ethical discussions often reference feelings of being appalled to explore human values and what actions are deemed unacceptable in society.
- Philosophers argue that a collective sense of being appalled can lead to stronger community bonds and a unified stance against wrongdoing.
Origin of 'appalled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'appalled' comes from the Old French word 'apaller', meaning to scare or frighten.
- It is formed from the prefix 'a-' which implies 'to' and the word 'pall' meaning to become pale, indicating a reaction to fear or shock.
- The term has been in use since the 1500s, evolving in English to express deeper emotional states of outrage or dismay.
The word 'appalled' originated from the Middle English word 'appallen', which meant 'to weaken or fail in strength'. Over time, the meaning shifted to convey a sense of being shocked or horrified. The modern usage of 'appalled' reflects a strong emotional response to something disturbing or offensive.