ˌkänztə(r)ˈnāshən, -än(t)st- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French or Latin; French, from Latin consternation-, consternatio, from consternatus (past participle of consternare to overcome, confuse, perplex, from com- + -sternare, akin to Old Norse stara to stare) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at stare
: amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion : confused and distressing excitement : grievous exasperation or distraction
to flee in consternation
the two, father and son, stared at each other in consternation , and neither knew what to do — Pearl Buck
Synonyms: see fear