consternation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun fear resulting from the awareness of danger
    dismay; alarm.

WordNet

Con`ster*na"tion noun
Etymology
L. consternatio, fr. consternare to overome, perplex, an accessory form of consternere to trow down, prostrate; con + sternere to spread out, throw down: cf. F. consternation. See Straum.
Definitions
  1. Amazement or horror that confounds the faculties, and incapacitates for refletion; terror, combined with amaxement; dismay.
    The chiefs around, In silence wrapped, in onsternation downed. Attend the stern reply. Pope.
    Syn. -- Alarm; fright; amazement; astonishment; surprise; panic; returbation. See Alarm.

Webster 1913