consternation Hear it!

consternation Definition

con·ster·na·tion (kän′stər nā′s̸hən)

noun

great fear or shock that makes one feel helpless or bewildered

Etymology: L consternatio < consternare, to terrify < com-, intens. + base akin to L sternax, headstrong, restive < IE base *ster-, rigid, stiff > stare, strenuous

consternation Synonyms

consternation

n.

alarm, dismay, shock, terror; see confusion 2, fear 1, wonder 1.

consternation Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • cause: The delay is causing consternation in the drives sector which has been counting on the ECA to deliver a boost in sales.
  • express: Kuchar expresses consternation over his friends ' moral fiber as a whole community goes awry.
  • create: The announcement by the Department of Health just after Christmas to put certain PFI projects on hold created some consternation.
  • imagine: As may be easily imagined consternation at once reigned.
  • bring: Although to some her presence brings the deepest consternation, Yet to me she is most worthy of the greatest admiration!
  • arouse: However, the Government's data retention proposals still arouse consternation.

Adjective modifier

  • sudden: She leaned forward in component of database management system sudden consternation.
  • widespread: There was widespread consternation among our crew on hearing that we'd be sailing with the " Prince " .
  • considerable: A detail that caused considerable consternation to the guy who was fitting the wooden framework for the ceiling.
  • much: The Duke, whose private life had caused much consternation within the Palace in the early 1980âs, appeared to have finally settled down.
  • great: Mrs Ransome, to her great consternation, saw them in the water.
  • general: Added to that the club is still rocking under fan boycotts and general consternation over the proposed merger and name change to Rugby Town.

Noun used with modifier

spread: The Third Crusade is organized The news of the taking of Jerusalem spread consternation throughout western Christendom.

Possessives

father: In college, she started reading the New York Times, " much to [ her ] father's consternation " .

Preposition: among

customer: BSkyB's newly launched broadband internet service is causing consternation among some customers who have encountered a variety of glitches.

Preposition: in

  • circle: The awarding of such a sensitive contract to DynCorp has caused consternation in some circles over the company's policing record.
  • quarter: This latter observation has caused consternation in some quarters.
  • community: This library caused quite a consternation in the development community when it was released because it was incompatable with previous versions of g libc.

Preposition: of

  • majority: But Mr Cameron has proposed precisely that, to the consternation of the majority of Tory MEPs.
  • member: Again we did employ an overseas player this year, Ramesh Power, much to the consternation of many members.