frustrate
Americanverb (used with object)
-
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
-
to disappoint or thwart (a person).
a talented woman whom life had frustrated.
verb (used without object)
adjective
verb
-
to hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of; thwart
-
to upset, agitate, or tire
her constant complaints began to frustrate him
adjective
Related Words
See thwart.
Other Word Forms
- frustrater noun
- frustratingly adverb
- frustrative adjective
- refrustrate verb (used with object)
Etymology
Origin of frustrate
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin frustrātus, past participle of frustrārī, verbal derivative of frustrā “in vain”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Buckley said the effects of Arlo's brain injury have also changed his behaviour and personality, leaving him more short-tempered, easily frustrated and tired.
From BBC
Glasner was left frustrated at how Palace had twice led United at half-time this season and ended up with nothing on both occasions.
From BBC
When Julian Araujo, Celtic's frustrated full-back, ran over and wrestled the ball off him, it was just about the only one-on-one battle Celtic had won.
From BBC
And those who do stay often find the experience unfulfilling and frustrating, while their bosses are at a loss, wondering why the new workers just don’t get it.
They’re going to think I was just hurt and tired and frustrated and ripped it myself to give myself an out so I could quit.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
