appalled

Appalled is an adjective describing a strong feeling of dismay, shock, or revulsion in response to something perceived as morally wrong, disturbing, or unacceptable. It characterizes a person’s emotional reaction rather than a passive acknowledgment and is commonly used in formal, journalistic, and literary contexts.

Etymology: Appalled derives from the verb appall, which entered English in the 14th–15th centuries from Middle French apaller or Old French apaller, meaning to intimidate or strike with fear. The sense broadened over time to include filling someone with horror or dismay. The related adjective appalling describes something that provokes such a reaction.

Usage: Appalled is typically used with by or at to indicate the source of the reaction (be appalled by/at something). It can describe a person, group, or audience (an appalled crowd). The adverb form is appallingly. The term tends to convey a stronger emotional response than words like surprised or shocked.

Synonyms and related terms include aghast, horrified, dismayed, and revulsed. Appalling is the corresponding adjective used to describe the source of the reaction, as in an appalling crime or appalling conditions.

Examples: "The committee was appalled by the findings." "Residents were appalled at the scale of the damage." "The documentary left viewers appalled." This contrasts with "appalling" when describing the event itself rather than the reaction.