Pronunciation: [tˈɜːn pˈe͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The phrase "turn pale" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /tɜːrn peɪl/. The "t" sound begins the word and the "u" is pronounced with a schwa sound, represented by the symbol "ə." This is followed by the "r" sound, which is then followed by the "n" sound. The "p" in "pale" is pronounced with a puff of air, known as an aspirated consonant. The "a" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, and the "l" sound finishes the word.
The phrase "turn pale" refers to a physiological response in which a person's complexion becomes noticeably lighter in color, particularly on the face, due to heightened fear, shock, or intense emotion. This phrase implies a sudden change in the pigmentation of the skin, resulting in a loss of natural coloration, typically transitioning to a paler or whitish hue.
When someone "turns pale," it is often associated with feelings of anxiety, fright, or extreme surprise. The sudden loss of color is a result of the body's fight-or-flight response, triggered by the release of adrenaline and a subsequent constriction of blood vessels in the outer layers of the skin. This physiological reaction redirects blood flow towards vital organs and muscles, causing the skin to temporarily lose its normal pink or healthy glow.
The expression "turn pale" is frequently used to depict visual manifestations of intense fear or shock in literature, film, and everyday language. It serves as a vivid illustration of the immediate impact emotions can have on a person's physical appearance. Conversely, the phrase can also be utilized metaphorically, extending beyond literal paleness to depict someone's sudden loss of confidence, vitality, or enthusiasm in various contexts.
The etymology of the phrase "turn pale" can be dissected into the origins of the individual words:
1. Turn: Comes from the Old English word "turnian", which means "to turn" or "change direction". It has Germanic roots and is related to the Dutch word "tornen" and the German word "drehen".
2. Pale: Originates from the Latin word "pallidus", meaning "pale" or "pallid". It can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root word "*pāli-", which means "grey" or "pale". The Latin "pallidus" transitioned into the Old French word "paile", eventually becoming "pale".
When combined, "turn pale" describes the act of someone's complexion becoming paler or losing color due to fear, shock, illness, or a similar emotional or physical response.
