to consternate
1
9.9
- verb
- /ˈkɒnstərˌneɪt/
- Archaic
:
consternar
- His harsh criticism consternated everyone at the meeting, causing a wave of anxiety.
Examples
-
It may have been a trick of a pixel, but I thought I saw a slightly consternated look appear in his eyes.
Fiction book (1999) -
The unexpected news completely consternated her, leaving her speechless.
-
The sudden change in plans consternated the team, creating confusion among the members.
Synonyms
∞
1.0
To make someone feel nervous or upset about possible problems
202
2.1
To cause someone to feel sudden surprise and distress
42
4.8
To make people feel strongly excited or upset
37
4.4
Make someone feel shocked or worried by something unexpected
20
6.3
To make someone feel nervous and less confident
7
7.1
To make someone feel uncomfortable or embarrassed
7
4.9
To make someone feel worried or uneasy
7
7.0
To make someone feel worried or uneasy
4
5.4
To make someone feel confused or unsure after a sudden change
3
5.5
To make someone nervous so they cannot think clearly
1
9.1
To make someone feel nervous
1
7.3
To make someone feel worried or uneasy
1
8.4
To make someone feel uncomfortable, confused, or embarrassed
Make someone feel upset and unable to think clearly
To make someone lose their sense of direction or feel confused
To make someone feel very nervous and upset
To disturb people or things
Make people feel uneasy, disappointed or uncomfortable
Antonyms
How Alarmed
90
4.3
64
5.5
- Archaic
1
9.9
133
1.9
7
4.9
7
7.1
Surface Forms
Morphology
consternate = consternation (transparent) = constern + ate
The verb's meaning ('to cause consternation') is directly predictable from the noun 'consternation'.
Etymology
The word consternate comes from Latin parts con- ('completely') and sternare ('to lay flat'). Think of someone 'laid flat' by a sudden shock — that's why to consternate someone is to cause sudden fear or confusion.