frustrate
UK[frʌˈstreɪt]US[ˈfrʌstreɪt]
v
to cause someone to feel annoyed or discouraged because they cannot achieve what they want
v
to prevent someone's plans, efforts, or desires from succeeding
Morpheme Breakdown
frustr
ate
frustr
in vain
ate
verb suffix
Etymology
The word 'frustrate' originates from the Latin verb frustrari, meaning "to deceive, disappoint, or make vain," which itself is derived from the adverb frustra, signifying "in vain" or "to no purpose." This core notion of futile effort or thwarted expectation traveled into Middle English via the Latin past participle frustratus. The semantic evolution is direct: the literal sense of rendering actions vain or ineffective naturally extended to the modern psychological meaning of causing feelings of discouragement and annoyance when one's goals are blocked.
Analysis
Structure: frustr (in vain) + ate (verb suffix)
- frustr: From Latin frustra (in vain, to no purpose). It functions as the core root conveying the sense of futility or disappointment.
- ate: A verb-forming suffix of Latin origin (-atus), used to create verbs meaning "to act upon" or "to cause to become."
Examples
The complex instructions served only to frustrate the new users.
Bad weather frustrated our plans for a picnic.
He felt deeply frustrated by his lack of progress.