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.
But some of the consternation from players towards how England were instructed to finish the game certainly paints an interesting picture heading into the rest of Tuchel's reign.
From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026
The announcement comes as the upcoming exclusively digital release of "Grand Theft Auto VI", which is predicted to become the biggest-selling cultural product of all time, has caused some consternation among gamers.
From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026
Despite controversies over visas and ticket prices and transportation, and in spite of consternation over expansion and new rules, the game has, as usual, proved too good to fail.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 28, 2026
Not only are Koreans trading like crazy, but they appear, to the consternation of some analysts, to be trading like crazy on borrowed money.
From MarketWatch ● May 21, 2026
There were many Frobishers and Frobyshers, and several Pettyfers, all in various states of upset and consternation.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
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.
