verb (used with object), consternated, consternating.
1.
to dismay, confuse, or terrify.
Origin
1645-55; < Latinconsternātus, past participle of consternāre to unsettle, throw into confusion, perhaps intensive derivative of consternere to cover, spread (with) (con-con- + sternere to strew; cf. stratum), though sense development uncertain
Related forms
unconsternated, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for consternate
consternate
/ˈkɒnstəˌneɪt/
verb
1.
(transitive; usually passive) to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion
Word Origin
C17: from Latin consternāre, from sternere to lay low, spread out
Word Origin and History for consternate
v.
1650s, from Latin consternatus, past participle of consternare (see consternation).