Political dictionary

Main Entry: con·ster·na·tion

Pronunciation: "kän(t)-st&r-'nA-sh&n

Function: noun

Etymology: French or Latin; French, from Latin consternation-, consternatio, from consternare to throw into confusion, from com- + -sternare, probably from sternere to spread, strike down --

Date: circa 1611

: amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion.

< The two stared at each other in consternation, and neither knew what to do -- Pearl Buck >