The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

appalled

IPA:

Dictionary definition of appalled

Shock, horror, or disgust towards something that is morally offensive, morally wrong, or deeply disturbing.
"She was appalled by the graphic violence depicted in the movie."

Detailed meaning of appalled

It signifies a state of being deeply dismayed or outraged by the actions, events, or behaviors that one witnesses or becomes aware of. When someone is appalled, they experience a profound sense of disbelief and dismay, often accompanied by a feeling of moral indignation. It suggests a strong emotional reaction to something that goes against one's values, principles, or sense of decency. Appalled can also imply a sense of being overwhelmed or astonished by the magnitude or severity of a situation, event, or behavior. Overall, "appalled" conveys a powerful and negative emotional response to something deeply troubling or offensive.

Example sentences containing appalled

1. She was appalled by the graphic content of the movie.
2. His behavior at the party left her utterly appalled.
3. The news of the tragedy left the community appalled.
4. He was appalled by the cruelty of the animal abuse.
5. The teacher was appalled by the students' disrespect.
6. They were appalled by the environmental degradation.

History and etymology of appalled

The adjective 'appalled' has its etymological roots in the Middle English word 'appallen,' which is believed to be influenced by the Old French term 'apalir,' meaning 'to grow pale' or 'to make pale.' This sense of becoming pale or losing color is indicative of the strong emotional reaction one might have when confronted with something morally offensive, morally wrong, or deeply disturbing. When people are appalled, they often experience shock, horror, or disgust to the extent that it affects their physical appearance. Therefore, 'appalled' etymologically reflects the idea of a profound emotional response, where the intensity of one's feelings is so great that it figuratively drains the color from their face.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the adjective appalled:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of appalled

1. She felt appalled by the injustice of the situation.
2. The graphic images in the documentary left viewers appalled.
3. The revelation of corruption in the government appalled citizens.
4. His appalled reaction showed his moral outrage.
5. The CEO's unethical decisions left employees appalled.
6. The child abuse case left everyone in the courtroom appalled.
7. She was appalled by the hate speech at the rally.
8. The discovery of the crime scene appalled investigators.
9. The inhumane treatment of refugees appalled the world.
10. The politician's offensive remarks left voters appalled.
11. The sight of the polluted river left onlookers appalled.
12. The appalled parents demanded action against the bullies.
13. The appalled jurors convicted the criminal without hesitation.
14. The appalled silence in the courtroom spoke volumes.
15. I was appalled by the blatant disregard for human rights displayed in the documentary.
16. The teacher was appalled by the students' disrespectful behavior towards their classmates.
17. The residents were appalled when they discovered the extent of pollution in their local river.
18. The CEO was appalled by the embezzlement scheme that had been going on unnoticed for years.
19. The community was appalled by the politician's insensitive remarks about marginalized groups.
20. He was appalled at the sight of the neglected and malnourished stray animals.
21. I was appalled to find out that the company had been knowingly selling faulty products.
22. The audience was appalled by the actor's offensive and derogatory jokes during the performance.
23. She was appalled by the discriminatory hiring practices of the company she had applied to.
24. We were appalled to learn that the local government had misused public funds.
25. The professor was appalled by the students' lack of basic knowledge in the subject matter.