consternation

[kon-ster-ney-shuhn]

noun

1. a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay.

   Synonyms: horror, fright, panic, fear, terror, alarm, bewilderment
   Antonyms: equanimity, composure

consternation

/ ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. a feeling of anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion

Word History and Origins

Origin of consternation¹

First recorded in 1605–15, consternation is from the Latin word consternātiōn- (stem of consternātiō ). See consternate, -ion

Example Sentences

That effort has been heavily centered in the Los Angeles region, to the consternation of many Democratic leaders and immigration advocacy organizations.

From Los Angeles Times

The timing was awful and it caused consternation internally.

From BBC

Losing a chance for a Grand Slam title is a key source of consternation for the doubles players.

From BBC

They still think that, even in light of all that’s gone wrong to this point, they possess the kind of otherworldly potential that caused so much consternation back before the season.

From Los Angeles Times

This fact has caused extreme consternation among the general public, the responsible political class and the mainstream news media about how this centuries-old system has been short-circuited, if not wholly broken.

From Salon

Related Words

• alarm 
• amazement 
• anxiety 
• awe 
• bewilderment 
• confusion 
• dread 
• fright 
• horror 
• panic 
• perplexity 
• terror 
• trepidation