frustrate

1 to prevent from achieving a goal <a multitude of conflicting opinions frustrated me in my attempt to find a computer that best suits my needs> Synonyms baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, discomfit, foil, thwart Related Words bar, block, clog, encumber, fetter, hamper, handicap, hinder, hobble, hold back, impede, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, tie up, trammel; arrest, check, halt, set back, short-circuit, stall, stop; avert, forestall, obviate, preclude, prevent; negate, neutralize, nullify; counteract, offset; conquer, defeat, overcome Near Antonyms abet, aid, assist; ease, facilitate, smooth Antonyms advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nurture, promote

2 to lessen the courage or confidence of <challenge the math student, but don't frustrate him or her with overly difficult problems> Synonyms chill, daunt, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, discourage, unman, unnerveRelated Words browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate; depress, sadden, weigh; afflict, try; damp, dampen, deaden; distress, trouble; bother, irk, vex, worry; debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken; frighten, horrify, scareNear Antonyms buoy (up), cheer, gladden; animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, inspire, lift, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stirAntonyms embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel