con ‧ ster ‧ na ‧ tion /ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃ ə n $ ˌkɑːnstər-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: French ; Origin: Latin , from consternare 'to frighten' , from consternere 'to scatter, throw down' , from com- ( ⇨ COM- ) + sternere 'to spread out' ]
a feeling of worry, shock, or fear SYN alarm :
The government’s plans have caused considerable consternation among many Americans.
A new power station is being built much to the consternation of environmental groups (=they are very worried about it) .
in consternation
He looked at her in consternation.