Appall

Appall is a term used to describe a strong feeling of shock, fear, or disgust. It is often used to convey a reaction to something that is perceived as extremely unpleasant or horrifying. The word is derived from the Old French word "appalir," which means "to grow pale," reflecting the physical reaction of turning pale in the face of something shocking or frightening.

Etymology

The term "appall" originates from the Old French word "appalir," which means "to grow pale." This, in turn, comes from the Latin word "pallere," meaning "to be pale." The word has been used in the English language since the 14th century.

Usage

The word "appall" is commonly used in both everyday language and literature to describe a reaction to something that is deeply disturbing or horrifying. For example, one might say, "The news of the disaster appalled everyone," indicating that the news caused a strong emotional reaction of shock and horror.

Synonyms

Some common synonyms for "appall" include:

• Horrify
• Shock
• Disgust
• Terrify
• Dismay

Related Psychological Reactions

The feeling of being appalled is often associated with other psychological reactions such as:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Revulsion
• Panic

Examples in Literature

The term "appall" has been used in various works of literature to convey a sense of horror or shock. For instance, in William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," the character Macbeth says, "I am appalled at the sight of the ghost."

Related Pages

• Fear
• Horror
• Disgust
• Shock
• Anxiety