consternation
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of consternation
First recorded in 1605–15, consternation is from the Latin word consternātiōn- (stem of consternātiō ). See consternate, -ion
Explanation
Consternation is a noun that can stop you in your tracks because it means "a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion; dismay." If you have a sense of consternation you have become afraid, disoriented, or completely befuddled. It comes from the Latin roots con- and -sternare, which means "spread out." Picture all of your thoughts strewn about, nothing makes sense and you might experience a state of consternation. Like the nightmare about the class you forgot to go to in high school and now you have to take the final exam!
Vocabulary lists containing consternation
"Harrison Bergeron"
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The Call of the Wild
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Frankenstein
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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.
Consternation is especially acute as the All-Star break approaches, the season slightly more than half over, a break in the schedule that invites reflection.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2023
“The whole Island remained in great Terror and Consternation for some time,” a British squadron commander observed.
From The New Yorker • Jan. 20, 2020
Consternation over the original referendum decision long ago gave way to bafflement over the chaos.
From The Guardian • Dec. 25, 2018
Consternation about pulling off an accurate count has been part of the run-up to past censuses, especially regarding funding challenges.
From New York Times • Dec. 9, 2017
Consternation shows on the soldiers’ faces as they reverse the wheels a bit.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
