appalled

UK: əˈpɔːld | US: əˈpɑːld

Definition
  1. adj. filled with horror or shock

  2. vt. (past tense of appall) to cause someone to feel horror or shock

Structure
ap <to>pall <grow pale>ed <past participle suffix>
Etymology

appalled = ap<to> + pall<grow pale> + ed<past participle suffix>

  • ap (variant of ad-, meaning "to," from Latin ad)
  • pall (from Old French palir, "to grow pale," ultimately from Latin pallēre)
  • ed (past participle suffix in English)

Etymology Origin:
The word appalled originates from the Old French apalir ("to grow pale"), combining ad- (intensifying prefix) and palir ("to pale"). The Latin root pallēre ("to be pale") reflects the physical reaction of shock—turning pale. Over time, appall evolved in English to mean "to horrify," with appalled retaining the sense of profound dismay or terror.

Examples
  1. She was appalled by the cruelty of the crime.

  2. The audience sat in appalled silence after the tragic scene.

  3. He looked appalled when he saw the damage to his car.

  4. The teacher was appalled at the students' lack of effort.

  5. News of the disaster left the nation appalled.