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frustrate

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of 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 of frustrate

baffle, balk, beat, checkmate, discomfit, foil, thwart
Words Related to frustrate

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 of frustrate

abet, aid, assist

ease, facilitate, smooth
Antonyms of frustrate

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 of frustrate

chill, daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, unman, unnerve
Words Related to frustrate

browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate

depress, sadden, weigh

afflict, try

damp, dampen, deaden

distress, trouble

bother, irk, vex, worry

debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken

frighten, horrify, scare
Phrases Synonymous with frustrate

throw cold water on
Near Antonyms of frustrate

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, stir
Antonyms of frustrate

embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel

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

Learn More about frustrate

  1. See words that rhyme with frustrate Dictionary: Definition of frustrate Medical Dictionary: Definition of frustrate Spanish Central: Translation of frustrate Nglish: Translation of frustrate for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of frustrate for Arabic speakers

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