To greatly alarm or dismay someone; to throw someone into a state of confusion and distress.
From Latin 'consternare' (to lay flat or overthrow), from 'com-' (with) + 'sternere' (to strew or strike down). Used from the 17th century onward.
The Latin root literally means 'to knock flat'—consternation is the feeling of being mentally knocked down, which perfectly captures the physical sensation of shock and dismay.
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