frustrate

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verb frus·trate \ˈfrə-ˌstrāt\

Definition of frustrate

frustrated

;

frustrating

transitive verb
1a : to balk or defeat in an endeavor frustrated her opponents by her ball-handlingb : to induce feelings of discouragement in Not being able to find a job frustrated him.
2a (1) : to make ineffectual : bring to nothing Illness frustrated his plans for college. (2) : impede, obstruct The project was frustrated by government regulations.b : to make invalid or of no effect

See frustrate defined for English-language learners

See frustrate defined for kids

Examples of frustrate in a Sentence

It frustrated him to miss so many games because of injuries.
We've been frustrated by bureaucratic delays.
Bureaucratic delays have frustrated our efforts to resolve this problem.
The lack of investors has frustrated them in their efforts to expand the company.

Origin and Etymology of frustrate

Middle English, from Latin frustratus, past participle of frustrare to deceive, frustrate, from frustra in error, in vain

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First Known Use: 15th century

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Synonym Discussion of frustrate

frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal. frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent. frustrated attempts at government reform thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. the army thwarted his attempt at a coup foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. baffled by the maze of rules and regulations balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime

frustrate

adjective frus·trate

Definition of frustrate

: characterized by frustration

Origin and Etymology of frustrate

see ¹frustrate

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First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

FRUSTRATE Defined for English Language Learners

frustrate

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verb

Definition of frustrate for English Language Learners

: to cause (someone) to feel angry, discouraged, or upset because of not being able to do something
: to prevent (efforts, plans, etc.) from succeeding : to keep (someone) from doing something

FRUSTRATE Defined for Kids

frustrate

play

verb frus·trate \ˈfrə-ˌstrāt\

Definition of frustrate for Students

frustrated

;

frustrating

1 : to cause to feel angry or discouraged The delays frustrated passengers.
2 : to prevent from succeeding Police frustrated the robbery.
3 : ¹defeat 2 The bad weather frustrated their plans for the beach.

Medical Dictionary

frustrate

play

transitive verb frus·trate \ˈfrəs-ˌtrāt\

Medical Definition of frustrate

frustrated

;

frustrating

: to induce feelings of frustration in

Law Dictionary

frustrate

play

transitive verb frus·trate \ˈfrəs-ˌtrāt\

Legal Definition of frustrate

frustrated

frustrating

: to make invalid or ineffectual : defeat the remedial purposes of the Workers' Compensation Act should not be frustrated by rigid technical standards — Palmer v. Bath Iron Works Corp., 559 A.2d 340 (1989)