consternation
UK[ˌkɒnstəˈneɪʃn]US[ˌkɑːnstərˈneɪʃn]
n
a feeling of great surprise, shock, or worry that makes you unable to think clearly or act
Morpheme Breakdown
con
stern
ation
con
together
stern
to spread out, lay down, prostrate
ation
Etymology
the word 'consternation' originates from the latin verb 'consternare', meaning 'to throw into confusion or to terrify'. this verb itself is composed of the intensive prefix 'con-' (completely) and 'sternere' (to spread out, lay flat), metaphorically evoking the image of being knocked down or prostrated by shock. the semantic evolution moved from the physical act of being thrown to the ground to the psychological state of being mentally overwhelmed and paralyzed by sudden alarm. it entered english in the early 17th century, retaining this core sense of stunned and bewildered dismay.
Analysis
Structure: con + stern + ation
- con: (latin) a prefix meaning 'together' or 'completely'.
- stern: (latin) from 'sternere', meaning 'to spread out, lay down, prostrate'.
- ation: (latin) a noun-forming suffix indicating an action or state.
Examples
the announcement caused widespread consternation among the staff.
to my consternation, i realized i had left the crucial documents at home.
the sudden drop in the stock market filled investors with consternation.