A feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected; confusion and shock that results from a surprising or disturbing event.
From Latin 'consternatio,' from 'consternare' (to lay low, terrify), which comes from 'con-' (completely) and 'sternere' (to stretch out, prostrate). The original sense was of being completely knocked down or overwhelmed by shock.
Consternation hits you like a 'constellation' of worries all appearing at once in your mental sky - suddenly you're overwhelmed by this unexpected pattern of problems that leaves you stunned and confused.
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