förfärgas

Förterfas is a Swedish verb that translates to "to be horrified," "to be appalled," or "to be appalled by." It describes a strong emotional reaction of shock and dismay, often accompanied by a sense of revulsion or fear. The feeling is typically elicited by something perceived as deeply wrong, cruel, or disturbing.

The word is derived from the Old Norse word "förfärja," which also conveyed a sense of fear or dread. It is commonly used to express a profound negative reaction to events, actions, or circumstances that are considered morally reprehensible or deeply unsettling. For instance, one might förfärgas by news of a terrible crime, a deeply unfair situation, or a shocking display of cruelty. The intensity of the emotion suggests a reaction that goes beyond mere displeasure or sadness, implying a genuine disturbance of one's sense of right and wrong or personal safety.

The usage of "förfärgas" implies a passive reception of the disturbing stimulus. The subject *is* horrified, rather than actively causing horror. It denotes an internal state of being profoundly affected by external events. While it can be used in a personal context, it is often employed to describe reactions to societal issues or large-scale tragedies, highlighting the collective sense of dismay that such events can provoke.