v. [f. L. consternāt- ppl. stem of consternāre to affright, dismay, collateral form to consternĕre to strew over, throw down, prostrate. Cf. F. consterner.] trans. To fill with amazement and terror; to dismay.
1651. Biggs, New Disp., 158. Consternate and perturb the powers.
1701. Beverley, Apoc. Quest., 44. To Consternate, Affright, Astonish, Amaze all.
1782. Mad. D’Arblay, Diary, II. 146. ‘Oh dear, then,’ said Miss Georgiana, looking a little consternated.
1815. Southey, in C. Southey, Life & Corr. (1850), IV. 118. I was consternating the Lord Chamberlain by speaking of Washington with respect in a New Year’s Ode.
1848. Lytton, Caxtons, II. IV. xii. Much consternated by this direct appeal … I hung my head.
Hence Consternated ppl. a.
1667. Waterhouse, Fire Lond., 109. As consternated Saul did when Christ dismounted him.
1862. R. Garnett, in Macm. Mag., V. 388. Agonizing worshippers upraise pale consternated looks.
