Appalled: meaning, definitions and examples

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appalled

[əˈpɔːld ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

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. She was appalled by the state of the hospital. He was appalled at the rudeness of the waiter.
horrified	When you are filled with horror or quite scared by something that is deeply shocking, unsettling, or gruesome. She was horrified to find a spider in her bed. He was horrified by the graphic scenes in the movie.
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. I was shocked to hear about his sudden resignation. She was shocked by the unexpected news.
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. I was astonished by her singing talent. He was astonished to see his childhood friend after so many years.

Examples of usage

His behavior appalled me.
She was appalled by the news of the accident.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

greatly dismay or horrify

Synonyms

disgust, outrage, shock.

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. She was appalled by the condition of the hospital. I am appalled that they would treat animals so poorly.
shock	Refers to a sudden and intense feeling of surprise, often with negative emotions such as horror or distress. He was in shock after hearing the tragic news. The community was in shock following the unexpected earthquake.
disgust	Indicates a strong feeling of aversion or repulsion towards something that is offensive, distasteful, or morally wrong. The smell of rotten food filled him with disgust. She expressed disgust at the corruption in the company.
outrage	Represents an intense feeling of anger and indignation, often due to an injustice or mistreatment. The decision to cut funding for education sparked public outrage. There was outrage over the unfair treatment of the employees.

Examples of usage

The graphic images appalled the viewers.
The lack of empathy from the leader appalled the citizens.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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 characters’ 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 individuals’ 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "appalled" in other languages:

🇵🇹 chocado

🇮🇳 स्तब्ध

🇩🇪 entsetzt

🇮🇩 terkejut

🇺🇦 шокований

🇵🇱 zszokowany

🇯🇵 驚愕した

🇫🇷 consterné

🇪🇸 horrorizado

🇹🇷 dehşete düşmüş

🇰🇷 경악한

🇸🇦 مذعور

🇨🇿 zděšený

🇸🇰 zhrozený

🇨🇳 震惊的

🇸🇮 šokiran

🇮🇸 skelfingu lostinn

🇰🇿 шошынған

🇬🇪 შოკირებული

🇦🇿 dəhşətə gəlmiş

🇲🇽 horrorizado

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,994, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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15991 firsthand
15992 snatch
15993 loaves
15994 appalled
15995 whorl
15996 stator
15997 energetically
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