noun

consternation

consternation, dismay, anxiety

The news was met with consternation.

The news was met with consternation.

He looked at her in consternation.

He looked at her in consternation.

((with consternation)) with a feeling of anxiety or dismay The team reacted with consternation to the news.

((in consternation)) in a state of anxiety or dismay She stared in consternation at the mess.

Synonyms: dismay, shock, alarm; Antonyms: composure, calm

From Latin 'consternare' (to throw into confusion), from 'con-' (with) + 'sternere' (to throw down).

Imagine a whole 'nation' in 'con' (complete) shock and confusion. It sounds like 'conster-nation'.

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