appall: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Formal, often used in journalism, serious discourse, and literature.
Quick answer
What does “appall” mean?
To fill with horror, shock, or dismay.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To fill with horror, shock, or dismay.
To deeply offend, disgust, or cause a strong negative emotional reaction through something considered heinous, cruel, or morally unacceptable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
British English typically uses the spelling 'appal'. American English uses 'appall'. The doubled 'l' is standard in US spelling for the verb and the adjective 'appalling'.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Connotes a strong, formal disapproval and moral outrage.
Frequency
Slightly more common in written, formal contexts (e.g., news reports, official statements) than in casual speech in both varieties. The adjective 'appalling' is the most frequent form.
Grammar
How to Use “appall” in a Sentence
[Subject: event/action] appalls [Object: person/people]to be appalled by/at somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “appall” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The sheer waste of resources appals the environmental committee.
- His callous remarks appal everyone in the room.
American English
- The graphic images of the conflict appall the viewing public.
- Such blatant corruption would appall any honest citizen.
adverb
British English
- The team played appallingly in the first half.
- He was appallingly rude to the staff.
American English
- The system failed appallingly during the crisis.
- She was appallingly misinformed about the basic facts.
adjective
British English
- The appalling state of the prison was condemned by inspectors.
- He showed an appalling lack of judgement.
American English
- The appalling violence captured on video sparked nationwide protests.
- It was an appalling mistake that cost the company millions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, but possible in CSR reports or internal communications about ethical breaches: 'The working conditions in the factory appalled the auditors.'
Academic
Used in political science, history, ethics to describe reactions to atrocities or systemic injustice: 'The documentary evidence of the regime's actions appalled contemporary observers.'
Everyday
Used for strong personal reactions to news, behavior, or situations perceived as deeply wrong: 'It appalls me that people still litter in the nature reserve.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields. Belongs to the domain of social commentary and ethics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “appall”
- Misspelling: 'apall' (missing a 'p'), 'appal' in US English.
- Confusing with 'appeal'.
- Using it for mild annoyance instead of deep shock: 'The traffic jam appalled me.' (Incorrect for mild irritation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's more common in formal writing, news, and serious discussion. In casual speech, people more often say 'shocked', 'horrified', or 'disgusted'. The adjective 'appalling' is more frequent than the verb.
They are close synonyms. 'Appall' often emphasizes shock mixed with moral outrage. 'Horrify' emphasizes terror and dread. 'Disgust' emphasizes revulsion and nausea. All can overlap in severe contexts.
No, it is exclusively negative. It describes a reaction to something considered bad, shocking, or morally repugnant.
The past participle 'appalled' used as an adjective (e.g., 'I was appalled') and the adjective 'appalling' (e.g., 'appalling conditions') are far more common than the base verb form 'to appall'.
To fill with horror, shock, or dismay.
Appall is usually formal, often used in journalism, serious discourse, and literature. in register.
Appall: in British English it is pronounced /əˈpɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈpɔːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “an appalling state of affairs”
- “be appalled at the very thought”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A PAIL of horror' was poured over me, I was APPALLed.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL DISAPPROVAL IS PHYSICAL SICKNESS/DISGUST (e.g., 'sickening', 'makes me sick', 'appalling').
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'appall' CORRECTLY?