consternation
nounUK /ˌkɒn.stəˈneɪ.ʃən/ · US /ˌkɑn.s(t)ɚˈneɪ.ʃən/
Etymology From French consternation, from Latin consternātiō. By surface analysis, consternate + -ion.
1
Amazement or horror that confounds the faculties, and incapacitates for reflection; terror, combined with amazement; dismay.
- "Out!" exclaimed her husband, with something like genuine consternation in his voice.1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening:
- Their audience had been listening in increasing consternation.2003, Terrance Dicks, Barry Letts, chapter 17, in Deadly Reunion:
2 more examples
- It was probably worth four millennia of consternation and regret.2006 February 27, Chuck Klosterman, “Invention's New Mother”, in Esquire, archived from the original on 20 Jul 2019:
- And privately, some European officials are sharing mounting consternation over the U.S. conduct of the Iran war that they say with each passing week is moving further away from the international rules of engagement and values that underpin the NATO alliance.2026 April 5, Howard LaFranchi, “Trump’s war in Iran puts new strain on alliances. Why this time it’s different.”, in The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, Massachusetts: Christian Science Publishing Society, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 06 Apr 2026:
- Related terms
- consternate