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

This morning, I just want to send out an apology to everyone, because I know it caused great concern, great consternation, as it should have.

From Washington Post

Scott, to the hair-pulling consternation of Democrats, has never lost an election.

From Washington Post

An estimated 100,000 businesses across the nation closed their doors as governors ordered residents to remain at home, much to the consternation of conservative activists who said the directives were unconstitutional.

From Washington Blade

It should be a cause for consternation and paranoia that your current doesn’t see this.

From Ozy

It’s all led to a great deal of hand-wringing and consternation among those in and around the polling industry.

From Fortune

The genuine source of consternation, however, was her label Interscope.

From The Daily Beast

The Spanish health ministry has given assurances that the Spanish public is not at risk, but consternation is growing.

From The Daily Beast

Amidst all the pandemonium, the show just carried on to the consternation of some guests.

From The Daily Beast

Imagine his consternation if he were prevented from putting on such a show.

From The Daily Beast

Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan have enjoyed warming ties in recent years to the consternation of Iran.

From The Daily Beast

It seemed incredible, and the rest of the calls were almost drowned out in the consternation that followed.

From Project Gutenberg

Matt asked, hiding as best he could the sudden consternation that swept through him.

From Project Gutenberg

But Clip had made another discovery which sent a shock of consternation through both him and Matt.

From Project Gutenberg

About thirty persons were killed, many more were wounded: and the whole city was filled with an indescribable consternation.

From Project Gutenberg

And I heard the voice of his words: and when I heard I lay in a consternation upon my face, and my face was close to the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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