consternation.

shocked dismay that leaves someone alarmed, unsettled, or unsure how to respond

Use it for

Words that belong together

• to her consternation
• cause consternation
• widespread consternation

On the page

To her consternation, the emergency exit was locked.

The missing ledger caused consternation among the clerks.

He stared at the altered map in consternation.

Usage notes

Primary curation section: Fear. Usually follows an unexpected development. It includes surprise and dismay, not only fear; stronger than a mild reservation. Formal. Usually uncountable. Related verb: consternate, uncommon.