frustrate

[fruhs-treyt]

verb (used with object)

frustrated, frustrating 

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)

frustrated, frustrating 

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

Other Word Forms

• frustrater noun
• frustratingly adverb
• frustrative adjective
• refrustrate verb (used with object)

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 continue to hear from survivors of one of the worst disasters in California history who are angry and frustrated by the delay and denial of their claims,” the letter stated.

From Los Angeles Times

“I am particularly frustrated by the lack of transparency VA has shown Congress, the public and veterans about its plans for West L.A.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I’m a frustrated actor, director, producer and even cameraman. I wanted to be all those things,” Armani said.

From Los Angeles Times

Another said volunteers had grown "increasingly frustrated" at the "culture of bullying" which had "very much come from the top".

From BBC

Osaka struck back immediately, however, and there was little to separate the pair until a frustrated Osaka conceded serve at 4-4 with a series of unforced errors.

From BBC

Related Words

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