frustrate

[fruhs-treyt] / ˈfrʌs treɪt /

VERB

thwart, disappoint

Synonyms

STRONGEST

baffle confront depress discourage dishearten hinder

STRONG

annul arrest balk bar beat block cancel check circumvent conquer counter counteract cramp crimp dash defeat foil forbid forestall halt impede inhibit lick negate neutralize nullify obstruct obviate outwit overcome preclude prevent prohibit ruin stump stymie

WEAK

cramp one's style dash one's hope foul up give the runaround hang up hold up render null and void upset the apple cart

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aid assist encourage hearten help inspirit

STRONG

abet allow approve forward give up let go lose open permit push release retreat support surrender validate yield

WEAK

cooperate facilitate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If he can frustrate Uruguay the same way, Cape Verde could be through to the round of 32.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

They raise costs, squeeze margins, and frustrate managers.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 6, 2026

In fact, entire Reddit forums and YouTube channels are devoted to what’s called “scambaiting,” the practice of intentionally engaging with scammers to frustrate or troll them.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Sauer couldn’t give a straight answer, which seemed to frustrate the justice.

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

“But our wills are free even to frustrate God’s intentions.”

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Vocabulary lists containing frustrate

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Words for the High School Graduate

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Catching Fire

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!