consternate

American  

[kon-ster-neyt] / ˈkɒn stərˌneɪt /

verb (used with object)

consternated, consternating

1. to dismay, confuse, or terrify.

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consternate British  

/ ˈkɒnstəˌneɪt /

verb

1. (tr; usually passive) to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion

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Other Word Forms

• unconsternated
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of consternate

1645–55; < Latin consternātus, past participle of consternāre to unsettle, throw into confusion, perhaps intensive derivative of consternere to cover, spread (with) ( con- con- + sternere to strew; cf. stratum), though sense development uncertain

Explanation

To consternate someone is to worry or alarm them. If your talented pitcher suddenly loses the ability to pitch a single strike, it will consternate the other players on your softball team. Things that consternate you cause you concern and dismay, sending you into a startled state of confusion. The word comes from the Latin consternat- ("terrified or prostrated"), which derives from another word meaning "throw down." If something is so disorienting and anxiety-provoking that you feel you've been flung to the ground, it consternates you. A pop quiz in your hardest class might consternate you, as might suddenly remembering you have to give a speech you haven't prepared for.