Appall

To appall means to fill someone with dismay or horror; to shock. This feeling arises from witnessing something that offends moral sensibilities, contradicts deeply held beliefs, or involves extreme suffering or depravity. The object or situation causing the revulsion is often perceived as grotesque, cruel, or utterly unacceptable. The resulting feeling can range from mild discomfort to intense disgust, and may involve feelings of helplessness, outrage, or profound sadness. Often the experience of being appalled leads to a sense of powerlessness to intervene or rectify the offensive situation, leaving one stunned or emotionally paralyzed. The reaction can also result in a strong desire to distance oneself from the cause of the disgust and/or to advocate for change.

Appall meaning with examples

• The graphic details of the war crimes committed by the soldiers, as reported in the international news, were enough to appall anyone with a conscience. Reading about such horrors, many people felt a deep sense of revulsion, horror and helplessness at the unfolding tragedy. It was difficult to comprehend the sheer scale of the violence.
• The blatant disregard for human rights, as demonstrated by the oppressive regime's actions, was intended to appall anyone witnessing such atrocities. Witnessing the actions of the government created feelings of moral outrage for any citizen. These abuses of power demonstrated a complete lack of empathy and respect for the dignity of human life.
• The lack of accountability for the financial scandal, with top executives escaping prosecution, continued to appall the public. This blatant disregard for ethical conduct and justice further eroded public trust in the financial system. Many felt that the perpetrators of such schemes should be held responsible.
• The sight of the burning village, the screams of the survivors, and the stories of survivors, as reported by the aid workers, was deeply shocking and did appall the humanitarian workers on-site. The stories that they were relaying contained images of the destruction and the chaos.
• After learning the details of his friend's betrayal, he was appalled to find that this close friend was involved in something he did not believe in. His feeling of betrayal was deep and made him question the foundations of their long-standing friendship. This betrayal caused him a deep sorrow.