Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Struck with horror, shock, or dismay: Feeling or showing a strong sense of shock, horror, or disgust, often as a reaction to something morally wrong, frightening, or extremely unpleasant.

Usage

The adjective "appalled" describes a very strong emotional state. It is typically used to express a profound reaction to something considered shocking, horrifying, or deeply offensive. It often implies a moral or ethical judgment.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • She was appalled by the cruelty shown in the documentary.
  • The international community was appalled at the human rights violations.
  • I am absolutely appalled by your rude behavior.

Advanced Usage

• "to be appalled at/by something": This is the most common construction, indicating the cause of the shock or horror.
  • He was appalled at the state of the neglected building.
  • We were appalled by the lack of basic hygiene in the facility.

Variants and Related Words

• Appal (verb, chiefly British) / Appall (verb, chiefly US): To greatly horrify or shock someone.
  • The news of the tragedy appalled the nation.
• Appalling (adjective): Causing shock or dismay; horrifying.
  • The conditions in the camp were appalling.
• Appallingly (adverb): In a shocking or horrifying manner.
  • The system failed appallingly.

Synonyms

• Horrified: Filled with horror; shocked.
• Shocked: Affected with sudden and intense surprise, distress, or disgust.
• Dismayed: Consternated and distressed, typically at something unexpected.
• Aghast: Filled with horror or shock.

Antonyms

• Pleased: Feeling or showing pleasure and satisfaction.
• Delighted: Greatly pleased.
• Unmoved: Not affected by emotion or excitement.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To one's appalled astonishment: Used to emphasize that one is both shocked and surprised.
  • To her appalled astonishment, no one else in the room seemed to object.

Adjective

1. struck with fear, dread, or consternation