consternation
/kɒnstəˈneɪʃ(ə)n
/noun [mass noun]
A feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected: to her consternation her car wouldn’t start...
- One person will find his stimulant in an emergency while another may feel anxiety and consternation.
- The latest scheme has caused similar consternation among traders.
- After six illegal balls, consternation grew among the home players and supporters.
Synonyms
dismay, perturbation, anxiety, distress, disquiet, disquietude, discomposure, angst, trepidation;
surprise, amazement, astonishment, stupefaction;
alarm, panic, hysteria, fear, fearfulness, fright, shock
Origin
Early 17th century: from Latin consternatio(n-), from the verb consternare 'lay prostrate, terrify' (see consternate).