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consternation

American  
[kon-ster-ney-shuhn] / ˌkɒn stərˈneɪ ʃən /

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 British  
/ ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən /

noun

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of consternation

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While there has always been consternation over immigration enforcement, Sandweg said “the widespread tactics and the targeting of people with no criminal record, just really galvanized people in a way they’ve never been galvanized before.”

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a major deal that caused immediate consternation throughout baseball.

From Los Angeles Times

Asked why this information had not been made public, the chief constable said to the consternation of MPs that it was because "he wasn't asked about it" before.

From BBC

Peller noted “consternation around the potential for an antagonistic approach towards not only issuers but broader financials despite what was believed to be a lenient regulatory environment.”

From MarketWatch

But it also set off public consternation and understandable questions from the National Football League, which had agreed to let Netflix livestream two games on Christmas.

From The Wall Street Journal