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.

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

From Slate • Apr. 1, 2026

"National power is less about missiles and aircraft and more about the will and resolve of the people," Khamenei said, adding: "Show it again and frustrate the enemy."

From Barron's • Feb. 9, 2026

“This isn’t what we expected in any way, and it seems to frustrate our expectations. I can’t see most people supporting this,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 4, 2026

Kurti claimed it was "the greatest victory in the history of the country" – and said he expected opposition parties to cooperate, rather than frustrate, this time around.

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

It was a mission that would motivate and frustrate her all her life.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

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