appalled

/əˈpɔld/

Appalled is an adjective that describes feeling shocked and disappointed. Being appalled happens suddenly, like when you find out your little sister has been blogging about your family, telling embarrassing stories.

Appalled comes from the Latin word pallescere, meaning "to grow pale" — the kind of shock that drains the color from your face. When you are appalled, you don't just disapprove of what you are seeing; you are emotionally disturbed by it, like being appalled by the wasted food at a cafeteria or restaurant or the rudeness of someone who lets the door slam in your face.

Definitions of appalled

1. adjective

   struck with fear, dread, or consternation
   synonyms: aghast, dismayed, shocked

   afraid

   filled with fear or apprehension