Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

consternate

[kon-ster-neyt]
See more synonyms for consternate on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object), con·ster·nat·ed, con·ster·nat·ing.
  1. to dismay, confuse, or terrify.
Show More

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for consternated

Historical Examples

  • They ask for Mademoiselle, are consternated when they learn of her departing.

    The Incomplete Amorist

    E. Nesbit

British Dictionary definitions for consternated

consternate

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

Word Origin

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

v.

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

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper