frustrate

Frustrate is a verb with several related meanings in English. In its primary sense, it means to prevent someone from achieving a purpose or to thwart a plan, effort, or expectation. It can apply to actions that block progress, such as a security system that frustrates an attempted break-in, or to schedules impeded by delays. In this sense, the object of frustration is typically a goal or outcome.

A second, more subjective sense refers to causing a person to feel upset, annoyed, or distressed because they cannot change or achieve something. In this sense the verb is often used with emotions: it frustrates him, or it frustrated her. The adjective frustrated describes someone who feels this way; the noun frustration names the feeling or the thing that causes it. The present participle frustrating is used as an adjective or to form continuous tenses.

Origin and related terms: the word derives from Latin frustratus, from frustrare “to deprive, thwart,” via Old French frustrer. The meaning has shifted toward hindrance and disappointment rather than deception.

In legal and philosophical contexts, frustration has a specialized sense, such as frustration of purpose or frustration of contract, where a supervening event renders performance impossible or radically different, excusing parties from obligations.

Examples: The broken engine frustrated their trip. The repeated delays frustrated his efforts to finish the project. The policy change frustrated many applicants.