dismay, appall, horrify, daunt mean to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion.
dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.
dismayed at the size of the job
appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.
I am appalled by your behavior
horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.
was horrified by such wanton cruelty
daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.
a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber
Example Sentences
The details of the crime horrified the nation. They were horrified by the movie's violence.
Recent Examples on the WebBut the reasoning in play here should simply horrify people who believe in democracy. Jason Linkins, The New Republic, 6 Aug. 2022 The videos and photos have gone viral, the latest images and stories from the brutal war in Ukraine to horrify the world. Hanna Arhirova, ajc, 15 July 2022 The devastation is going to horrify Europe and North America. Peter Bergen, CNN, 6 Mar. 2022 Her progressive ideas horrify the White status quo, but they’re welcomed by Motormouth Maybelle, who hosts the one show each month that a Black host and teen dancers are allowed on the air.San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Nov. 2021 That will horrify some climate warriors in the U.S. Andrew Stuttaford, National Review, 6 Nov. 2021 Its science-fiction stories are still sharp and clever with twists that surprise, delight and horrify. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2021 Its science-fiction stories are still sharp and clever with twists that surprise, delight and horrify. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2021 Its science-fiction stories are still sharp and clever with twists that surprise, delight and horrify. Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 5 Aug. 2021 See More