The word “appalled” is a common English term that is often used to express a strong sense of shock, disgust, or horror. It is a word that can be used to describe a wide range of emotions, from mild discomfort to extreme revulsion. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the word “appalled,” its origins, and its associations.
Definitions
The word “appalled” is an adjective that is used to describe someone who is shocked or horrified by something. It can also be used to describe a situation or event that is particularly disturbing or upsetting. Some synonyms for “appalled” include horrified, disgusted, shocked, and dismayed.
Origin
The word “appalled” comes from the Old French word “appalir,” which means “to grow pale.” This word was derived from the Latin word “pallere,” which means “to be pale.” The original meaning of “appalled” was to be so shocked or frightened that one’s face becomes pale.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “appalled” means “affected by strong feelings of shock and dismay.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “filled with horror or dismay.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “shocked and upset.”
Associations
The word “appalled” is often associated with feelings of disgust, horror, and revulsion. It can be used to describe a wide range of situations or events, such as witnessing a violent crime, seeing a disturbing image, or hearing about a tragic event.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “appalled” include horrified, disgusted, shocked, dismayed, aghast, repulsed, and nauseated.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for “appalled” include calm, composed, indifferent, and unimpressed.
The same root words
The root word of “appalled” is “pallere,” which means “to be pale.” Other words that share this root include “pallid,” “pale,” and “pallor.”
Example Sentences
- The sight of the car crash left me appalled.
- I was appalled by the cruelty of the animal abuse I witnessed.
- The news of the terrorist attack left the entire nation appalled.
- She was appalled by the lack of hygiene in the restaurant’s kitchen.
- The teacher was appalled by the student’s disrespectful behavior in class.