Words / B2

fru-STRAYT/frʌˈstreɪt/

To frustrate is to annoy someone by blocking them, or to prevent a plan: frustrated by delays; frustrate an attack. Frustrating and frustration are already in the dictionary as related forms — this is the verb. Late boundaries frustrate schools. Do not mix with fluster (make nervous).

Meaning

To make someone feel annoyed and helpless; also to prevent a plan.

Examples

• “Late grade boundaries frustrate schools trying to set sixth-form offers.”
• “Better locks frustrate burglars, which is the “thwart” sense.”

Good to know

frustrate a plan / an attempt; frustrated by. Related: frustrating / frustration. Close (thwart): prevent. Schools and crime reporting. Verb headword.

Near in meaning

thwart

New