frustrate

[ fruhs-treyt ]

verb (used with object)

, frus·trat·ed, frus·trat·ing.

1. to make (plans, efforts, etc.) worthless or of no avail; defeat; nullify:

   The student's indifference frustrated the teacher's efforts to help him.

   Synonyms: circumvent, foil, balk

2. to disappoint or thwart (a person):

   a talented woman whom life had frustrated.

verb (used without object)

, frus·trat·ed, frus·trat·ing.

1. to become frustrated:

   His trouble is that he frustrates much too easily.

adjective

1. Obsolete. frustrated.

frustrate

/ frʌˈstreɪt /

verb

1. to hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of; thwart
2. to upset, agitate, or tire

   her constant complaints began to frustrate him

adjective

1. archaic.
   frustrated or thwarted; baffled

Derived Forms

• frusˈtrater, noun

Other Words From

• frustrat·er noun
• frustrat·ing·ly adverb
• frus·tra·tive [fruhs, -trey-tiv, -tr, uh, -], adjective
• re·frustrate verb (used with object) refrustrated refrustrating

Word History and Origins

Origin of frustrate¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin frustrātus, past participle of frustrārī, verbal derivative of frustrā “in vain”

Word History and Origins

Origin of frustrate¹

C15: from Latin frustrāre to cheat, from frustrā in error

Synonym Study

See thwart.

Example Sentences

"I think that there has been frustration, that's obvious and I think everybody has been frustrated about how long this has gone on."

From BBC

It is very frustrating to feel perfectly well and then to be immobilised by epilepsy.

From BBC

To help their child avoid getting angry or frustrated, parents say they often try to ensure they get enough sleep and exercise, help identify and avoid triggers and avoiding overscheduling.

From Science Daily

“I know how frustrating it can be to wait on results during this long process,” she said in a public video.

From Los Angeles Times

Progress on catching these scammers remains unclear, with many victims frustrated by slow moving complaint processes.

From BBC

Related Words

• baffle
• confront
• depress
• discourage
• dishearten
• hinder