1.
[syn: alarm, dismay, consternation]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Consternation \Con`ster*na"tion\, n. [L. consternatio, fr.
consternare to overome, perplex, an accessory form of
consternere to throw down, prostrate; con + sternere to
spread out, throw down: cf. F. consternation. See Stratum.]
Amazement or horror that confounds the faculties, and
incapacitates for reflection; terror, combined with
amazement; dismay.
[1913 Webster]
The chiefs around,
In silence wrapped, in consternation drowned.
Attend the stern reply. --Pope.
Syn: Alarm; fright; amazement; astonishment; surprise; panic;
perturbation. See Alarm.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
consternation
n 1: fear resulting from the awareness of danger [syn: alarm,
dismay, consternation]