consternation
kahn-ster-NAY-shun
/ˌkɑːn.stərˈneɪ.ʃən/
A feelings of anxiety, dismay, or sudden confusion caused by something unexpected.
Combines fear with bewildered shock—the sense of standing dumbfounded because plans have suddenly collapsed.
The story behind the word. The Latin verb 'sternere' means to knock someone flat on their back or scatter things about. 'Consternation' literally describes the emotional state of being completely knocked off your feet by bad news, leaving you lying metaphorically flattened and helpless.
Word relationships
- dismay: Dismay focuses on disappointment mixed with fear, while consternation emphasizes bewildered shock.
- bewilderment: Bewilderment is confusion without necessarily carrying the alarming fear of consternation.
- composure: Maintaining self-possession and mental clarity under shock.
- reassurance: A restoring of confidence and removal of fear.
Commonly confused with
- constipation: A medical condition regarding digestion—a very embarrassing confusion!
Word family
- consternate (verb): To fill with anxiety, dismay, or alarm (archaic).
Collocations
- to the consternation of
- cause consternation
- widespread consternation
Idioms & expressions
- thrown into dismay
- left speechless with shock
Example sentences
- "To the consternation of the board of directors, the chief executive officer announced his sudden resignation." Corporate / Politics
- "The sudden arrival of the tax collector caused immense consternation throughout the small village." Literature
Memory hook
STERN news creates CONSTERNATION—it knocks you flat like a heavy STERN blow. Knocked flat with shocking bad news.
When not to use
Do not use for minor, routine worries; consternation involves a sudden, surprising blow that leaves people bewildered.
Fun facts
- The Latin root 'sternere' also gave us the word 'stratosphere' (layered spread) and 'prostrate'!
Related words
Explore more words
confounded, dumbfound, bewildered, nonplussed, flummoxed, nonplus
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