Word Study
consternation
CIDE DICTIONARY
consternation, n. [L. consternatio, fr. consternare to overome, perplex, an accessory form of consternere to throw down, prostrate; con + sternere to spread out, throw down: cf. F. consternation. See Stratum.].
Amazement or horror that confounds the faculties, and incapacitates for reflection; terror, combined with amazement; dismay. [1913 Webster]
"The chiefs around,
In silence wrapped, in consternation drowned.
Attend the stern reply."
In silence wrapped, in consternation drowned.
Attend the stern reply."
Syn. -- Alarm; fright; amazement; astonishment; surprise; panic; perturbation. See Alarm.
OXFORD DICTIONARY
consternation, n. anxiety or dismay causing mental confusion.
Etymology
F consternation or L consternatio (as consternate)
THESAURUS
consternation
abject fear, affright, alarm, awe, bewilderment, blue funk, confusion, cowardice, dismay, distraction, dread, fear, fright, funk, horrification, horror, muddle, muddlement, panic, panic fear, perplexity, phobia, scare, stampede, terror, trepidation, trepidity, unholy dreadROGET THESAURUS
consternation
Fear
N fear, timidity, diffidence, want of confidence, apprehensiveness, fearfulness, solicitude, anxiety, care, apprehension, misgiving, feeze, mistrust, suspicion, qualm, hesitation, nervousness, restlessness, inquietude, disquietude, worry, concern, batophobia, heartquake, flutter, trepidation, fear and trembling, perturbation, tremor, quivering, shaking, trembling, throbbing heart, palpitation, ague fit, cold sweat, abject fear, mortal funk, heartsinking, despondency, despair, fright, affright, affrightment, boof alarm, dread, awe, terror, horror, dismay, consternation, panic, scare, stampede (of horses), intimidation, terrorism, reign of terror, bug bear, bugaboo, scarecrow, hobgoblin, nightmare, Gorgon, mormo, ogre, Hurlothrumbo, raw head and bloody bones, fee-faw-fum, bete noire, enfant terrible, alarmist, fearing, frightened, in fear, in a fright, haunted with the fear of, afeard, afraid, fearful, timid, timorous, nervous, diffident, coy, faint- hearted, tremulous, shaky, afraid of one's shadow, apprehensive, restless, fidgety, more frightened than hurt, aghast, awe-stricken, horror-stricken, terror-stricken, panic- stricken, awestruck, awe-stricken, horror-struck, frightened to death, white as a sheet, pale, pale as a ghost, pale as death, pale as ashes, breathless, in hysterics, inspiring fear, alarming, formidable, redoubtable, perilous, portentous, fearful, dread, dreadful, fell, dire, direful, shocking, terrible, terrific, tremendous, horrid, horrible, horrific, ghastly, awful, awe-inspiring, revolting, Gorgonian, in terrorem, Int, angels and ministers of grace defend us!, ante tubam trepidat, horresco referens, one's heart failing one, obstupui steteruntque comae et vox faucibus haesit, a dagger of the mind, expertus metuit, fain would I climb but that I fear to fall, fear is the parent of cruelty, Gorgons and hydras and chimeras dire, omnia tuta timens, our fears do make us traitors.For further exploring for "consternation" in Webster Dictionary Online