appall Hear it!

appall Definition

ap·pall (ə pôl)

transitive verb

to fill with horror or dismay; shock

Etymology: ME apallen < OFr apalir < a-, to + palir, to grow pale < L palescere < pallere, to be pale: see pale

appall Synonyms

appall

v.

appall Usage Examples

Preposition: at

  • prospect: The same fishermen are also appalled at the prospect of losing most of the rich prawn fishery in a spurious attempt to save cod.
  • lack: In fact, I was appalled at the lack of dress full stop.
  • thought: Neither was appalled at the thought of some heathen religion sharing their festival.

Subject

  • lack: Whilst in Kaduna, Ann visited several primary schools and was appalled by the total lack of books.
  • behavior: Indeed the charity trustees may be appalled by the behavior of its employe.
  • attack: Like virtually everyone, we are appalled by the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the dreadful loss of life.

Modifying Another Word

  • utterly: Rabbi Tony Bayfield, Head of The Movement for Reform Judaism, said: " I am utterly appalled.
  • absolutely: I am absolutely appalled to have received no offers of assistance!
  • equally: I would consider tabling an Early Day Motion if that is asked of me. Holborn and St Pancras MP Frank Dobson was equally appalled.
  • totally: I am totally appalled by the disgusting hygiene in pubs.

Used with why or when

  • when: Leila makes no effort to hide her dislike of Geoff and she is appalled when Jim invites him to stay with them.

Infinitive complement

  • discover: Peggy's appalled to discover that he's wet the bed.
  • hear: I was appalled to hear the member's of the panel agree that " the ends justify the means " .
  • read: I am appalled to read that Indonesian Courts are still handing out the death penalty for cannabis offenses.
  • find: Carolyn was appalled to find the presence of jelly instead.
  • learn: I was appalled to learn that there is no possibility of a child nutrition survey.

Preposition: by

  • lack: Whilst in Kaduna, Ann visited several primary schools and was appalled by the total lack of books.
  • behavior: Indeed the charity trustees may be appalled by the behavior of its employe.
  • attack: Like virtually everyone, we are appalled by the attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the dreadful loss of life.