frustrate

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
  2. verb treat cruelly

Etymology

From Middle English frustraten (“to prevent, disappoint, render useless”), from Latin frūstrātus, perfect passive participle of frūstrō (“to deceive”), see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Compare French frustrer.

In classic literature

Synonyms

thwart, queer, spoil, scotch, foil, cross, baffle, bilk

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