v.
Pronunciation: ' fr ə s- ˌ tr ā t
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: frus · trat · ed ; frus · trat · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin frustratus, past participle of frustrare to deceive, frustrate, from frustra in error, in vain
Date: 15th century
1 a : to balk or defeat in an endeavor b : to induce feelings of discouragement in
2 a (1) : to make ineffectual : bring to nothing (2) : IMPEDE , OBSTRUCT b : to make invalid or of no effect
synonyms 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>.