noun
consternation
kahn-ster-NAY-shun/ˌkɑːnstərˈneɪʃn/
Sudden dismay at something unexpected.
The burst pipe fills the woman with consternation as water gushes out.
Etymology
Latin consternatio already combined confusion with dismay. The English word preserves that mixture: sudden alarm that leaves someone bewildered or unsure how to react.
In context
She stared at it in consternation. A sudden light began to break in upon her mind. "Good heavens, was it Chrissy, after all, who was the spy?"
More examples
- To my consternation, the file I need has disappeared.
- Her sudden resignation is met with consternation.
- He stares at the unexpected bill in consternation.