appall
What does "appall" mean?
To appall means to fill someone with intense horror, shock, or disgust. Imagine witnessing something so profoundly wrong or alarming that it leaves you momentarily paralyzed or feeling a deep, sinking sense of dread. It is a strong, formal verb usually reserved for serious situations involving moral failure, cruelty, or catastrophic events. You will often see it used in news reports or formal critiques, typically paired with the preposition "at" or used in the passive voice, as in "we were appalled by the findings."
"appall" in conversation
Discussing a news report
Did you read the article about the factory conditions?
Did you read the article about the factory conditions?
I did. I was absolutely appalled by the lack of safety measures.
I did. I was absolutely appalled by the lack of safety measures.
Use 'appalled by' to express your personal reaction to a negative situation.
Critiquing a film
What did you think of that new horror movie?
What did you think of that new horror movie?
The violence was appalling. I had to look away.
The violence was appalling. I had to look away.
The adjective form 'appalling' describes something that causes the feeling of being appalled.
"appall" in a sentence
The sight of the litter in the park appalled me.
The sight of the litter in the park appalled me.
The public was appalled by the sudden increase in food prices.
The public was appalled by the sudden increase in food prices.
She was appalled at the callous disregard for the environment shown by the corporation.
She was appalled at the callous disregard for the environment shown by the corporation.
