Appall (Verb)
Meaning 1
Fill with apprehension or alarm; cause to be unpleasantly surprised; "I was horrified at the thought of being late for my interview"; "The news of the executions horrified us".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- The scenes of devastation left in the wake of the hurricane did appall the rescue workers.
- Her family was appalled by the prospect of losing their beloved home to the floodwaters.
- The news of the corruption scandal appalled the public, who had lost trust in the government.
- Visitors to the concentration camp museum are often appalled by the gruesome realities of the atrocities.
- The state of disrepair of the once-venerable landmark appalled the new restorer, who vowed to bring it back to its former glory.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
Strike with disgust or revulsion; "The scandalous behavior of this married woman shocked her friends".
Classification
Verbs of feeling.
Examples
- The videos of animal cruelty appall most people and serve as a call to action against such heinous crimes.
- The extreme wealth disparity in the country continues to appall many who struggle to make ends meet.
- The gruesome details of the murder appall even the most seasoned detectives.
- The politician's flippant response to the natural disaster appalled the public, who demanded more action.
- The once-respected businessman's involvement in the embezzlement scheme appalls those who had invested in his companies.