fluster

¹flus·ter

verb \ˈfləs-tər\

flus·teredflus·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of FLUSTER

transitive verb

1

: to make tipsy

2

: to put into a state of agitated confusion : upset

intransitive verb

: to move or behave in an agitated or confused manner

— flus·tered·ly adverb

Examples of FLUSTER

1. The interruption flustered the speaker.
2. Some speakers fluster more easily than others.

Origin of FLUSTER

probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic flaustur hurry

First Known Use: 1604

Related to FLUSTER

Synonyms

abash, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, faze, embarrass, mortify, nonplus, rattle

Related Words

agitate, bother, chagrin, discomfort, discompose, dismay, disquiet, distress, disturb, perturb, put off, put out, unhinge, unsettle, upset; debase, degrade, demean, humble, humiliate, queer, shame

Near Antonyms

calm, comfort, console, relieve, soothe; buoy, cheer, embolden, encourage, hearten; assure, reassure

See Synonym Discussion at discompose

Rhymes with FLUSTER

bluster, buster, cluster, Custer, duster, luster, muster, thruster, truster

²fluster

noun

Definition of FLUSTER

: a state of agitated confusion

Examples of FLUSTER

1. <all the yelling on the bus put the driver in a fluster>
2. <there was a palpable fluster in the audience when I asked my awkward question>

First Known Use of FLUSTER

1712

Related to FLUSTER

Synonyms

dither, fret, fuss, huff, lather, pother, stew, sweat, swelter, swivet, tizzy, twitter

Related Words

bother, dudgeon, pique; alarm (also alarum), hand-wringing, panic; ado, agitation, delirium, distraction, furor, hysteria, uproar; nervous breakdown

Near Antonyms

aplomb, assurance, composure, confidence, coolness, equanimity, poise, self-assurance, self-confidence, self-possession