English Explanatory Dictionary

frustrate

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To disappoint or defeat; to vex by depriving of something expected or desired.
  2. To hinder or thwart.
  3. To cause stress or annoyance.
adj
  1. ineffectual; useless; fruitless.

Pronunciation

/fɹʌˈstɹeɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-frustrate.wav /ˈfɹʌsˌtɹeɪt/

Word forms

frustrate frustrates frustrating frustrated more frustrate most frustrate

Etymology

From Middle English frustraten (“to prevent, disappoint, render useless”), from Latin frūstrātus, perfect passive participle of frūstrō (“to deceive”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Compare French frustrer.

Synonyms

confound behedge blunt crimp delay difficult diminish forestay interfere intervene forslow frustrate get in the way hamper handicap hinder hold up hurt impair impede incommode lessen let mar obstruct overslaugh preclude prevene prevent prohibit reduce restrict retard slow down stay stymie thwart thwarten umbeset undermine weaken worsen aggravate annoy nettle rankle ruffle sting antagonize bother disgruntle botherate bug get grate burn up bedevil cheese off devil exasperate

Derived words

frustratable frustratee frustrately frustrater frustrative refrustrate
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