appal
/ə'pɔ:l/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To fill with intense horror, shock, or dismay; to cause someone to feel profound revulsion or alarm.
- To cause someone to be greatly disturbed or disgusted by something perceived as morally or physically repugnant.
Usage
The verb "appal" (also spelled "appall" in American English) is used to describe the action of causing a very strong negative emotional reaction, typically horror, shock, or disgust. It is a strong word used for serious situations. It is often used in passive constructions (e.g., "I was appalled by...") or to describe the effect something has on a person or group.
Examples
- The graphic images of the war appalled the international community.
- The jury was appalled by the details of the crime.
- Such blatant corruption appals every honest citizen.
- It appals me to think that such injustice continues.
Advanced Usage
- "to be appalled at/by something": This is the most common construction, indicating the cause of the feeling.
- We were utterly appalled at the conditions in the factory.
- She was appalled by his rude comments.
Variants and Related Words
- Appalled (adjective): Feeling or showing horror or shock.
- He gave an appalled look when he heard the news.
- Appalling (adjective): Causing shock or dismay; horrifying.
- The prisoners were kept in appalling conditions.
- Appallingly (adverb): In a horrifying or shocking manner; to a shocking degree (often used for emphasis).
- The project was appallingly managed.
Synonyms
- Horrify: To cause to feel horror.
- Shock: To cause a sudden and disturbing surprise or emotional reaction.
- Dismay: To cause someone to feel consternation and distress.
- Revolt: To cause to feel disgust.
- Sicken: To cause to feel disgust or nausea.
Antonyms
- Delight: To please someone greatly.
- Reassure: To say or do something to remove someone's doubts or fears.
- Comfort: To ease the grief or distress of.
Notes on Spelling
- British English preference: appal
- American English preference: appallBoth spellings are correct, with the double 'l' being more common in American English. The past tense and past participle are appalled and the present participle/gerund is appalling for both spellings.
Verb
- 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
- strike with disgust or revulsion
- The scandalous behavior of this married woman shocked her friends