consternate

[kon-ster-neyt]

verb (used with object), con·ster·nat·ed, con·ster·nat·ing.

to dismay, confuse, or terrify.

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

Related formsun·con·ster·nat·ed, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for consternated

frighten, alarm, shock, confuse, unnerve, horrify, daunt, scare, terrify

Examples from the Web for consternated

Historical Examples of consternated

They ask for Mademoiselle, are consternated when they learn of her departing.
The Incomplete Amorist
E. Nesbit

British Dictionary definitions for consternated

consternate

verb

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

Word Origin for consternate

C17: from Latin consternāre, from sternere to lay low, spread out

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

Word Origin and History for consternated

consternate

1650s, from Latin consternatus, past participle of consternare (see consternation).