appall

UK: əˈpɔːl | US: əˈpɑːl

Definition

  1. vt. to cause someone to feel shock, horror, or disgust

  2. vt. (archaic) to weaken or fail

Structure
ap <to>pall <grow pale>
Etymology

appall = ap<to> + pall<grow pale>

  • ap (variant of "ad," meaning "to," from Latin ad)
  • pall (from Old French palir, "to grow pale," from Latin pallēre)

Etymology Origin:
The word "appall" originated in Middle English from the Old French apalir ("to grow pale"), combining the prefix a- (from Latin ad-, "to") and palir ("to pale"). The core idea is "to cause someone to turn pale with shock or horror." Over time, the spelling shifted to "appall," retaining its vivid imagery of visceral dismay.

Examples

  1. The graphic images of the accident appalled the viewers.

  2. Such blatant corruption would appall any honest citizen.

  3. She was appalled by the harsh conditions in the factory.

  4. The news of the massacre appalled the international community.

  5. His lack of empathy appalls me.