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

As the South African-born billionaire is not a US citizen by birth, he cannot become president - something that has frustrated other famous faces who became involved in politics in the past.

From BBC

I am feeling sad, frustrated, angry and motivated.

From Salon

It also serves as an MRI into the inner life of Didion, who has been somewhat of a frustratingly inscrutable presence.

From Los Angeles Times

I don't blame Democrats for Vice President Kamala Harris's loss, but this rhetoric is frustrating.

From Salon

Fernandes might frustrate sometimes with his indiscipline in terms of maintaining a position, but if Amorim did not pick him, where would United’s goals and chances come from?

From BBC

Related Words

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