To become flustered or lose one's composure; to be thrown into confusion by an unexpected event.
彼女は突然の質問にうろたえて答えられなかった。
She was flustered by the sudden question and couldn't answer.
面接でうろたえて、本来の力が出せなかった。
I got flustered in the interview and couldn't show my true ability.
地震のとき、周りの人がうろたえて走り出した。
When the earthquake hit, people around me panicked and ran off.