Entsetzen

horror, dismay, consternation

noun ent-ZET-sen Rare

Usage Note

Entsetzen expresses a stronger, more visceral shock than Bestürzung. Zu meinem Entsetzen (to my horror) is very common. Unlike Angst, it is a reaction to something that has already happened, not something anticipated.

Examples

"Zu ihrem Entsetzen bemerkte sie, dass die Tür die ganze Nacht offen gestanden hatte."

Natural Translation

To her horror, she noticed that the door had been open all night.

Literal Translation

To her horror noticed she, that the door the whole night open stood had.

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