consternation

UK: /ˌkɒnstə^rˈneɪʃ^ən/

US: /ˌkɑnstɚˈneɪʃən/

US: (kon′stər nā′shən)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

con•ster•na•tion /ˌkɑnstɚˈneɪʃən/   n. [uncountable]

1. a sudden, alarming shock or fear that results in great confusion:
   The crook had a look of complete consternation on her face when the police surrounded her.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

con•ster•na•tion  (kon′stər nā′shən), n. 

1. a sudden, alarming amazement or dread that results in utter confusion;
   dismay.

• Latin consternātiōn- (stem of consternātiō). See consternate, -ion
• 1605–15

Synonyms

bewilderment, alarm, terror, fear, panic, fright, horror.

Antonyms

composure, equanimity.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

consternation / ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃən/ noun

1. a feeling of anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion