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.
Though there was some consternation on Wall Street after Amex announced the change, Le Caillec said that retention rates have been “extremely strong,” with no meaningful difference after the refresh.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 23, 2026
The book, published just a quarter of a century after the events that inspired it, caused consternation because of the way it highlighted the suffering of German civilians.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026
Another source of consternation is AMD’s ramp of its operating expenses, which “is starting to become a bit tiresome” considering the company’s “lackluster” execution, Rasgon said.
From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 2026
The Dodgers’ deal with Kyle Tucker is another major development that caused immediate consternation throughout baseball.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026
Murmurs of delight and consternation alike arose from the gallery and the back of the hall.
From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin
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.
