frustrateadj.
/ˈfrʌstreɪt/, U.S. /ˈfrəˌstreɪt/ archaic. Equivalent to the later frustrated adj.
I. Used as past participle.
1. In various senses of the verb. Obsolete.In recent archaistic use the word is probably viewed by the writers as an adjective; see the examples under II.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > [adjective] > of person: frustrated
frustrate1447
frustrated1877
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > [adjective] > of purpose: frustrated
frustrate1447
discomfited1538
discomfishedc1540
frustrateda1643
balked1704
thwarted1828
1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) 100 So the abbot frustrat went home sory.
1471 G. Ripley Compound of Alchymy v, in E. Ashmole Theatrum Chem. Britannicum (1652) 148 That thy labor therfore be not frustrate.
?1504 W. Atkinson tr. Thomas à Kempis Ful Treat. Imytacyon Cryste (Pynson) iii. iii. 197 They be ofte frustrate of that that they truste vpon.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 115 Sleipand and walkand wes frustrat my desyre.
1528 S. Gardiner in N. Pocock Rec. Reformation (1870) I. l. 103 The said Commission might be..frustrate and letted.
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes iii, in Wks. 236/1 Because the cumming together of the Lordes from Grenewiche..shoulde not bee frustrate.
1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance vii. f. 14v Noble Germanicus (who shulde haue succeded Tiberius in the empire, if the treason of Piso had not frustrate the trust of the people).
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde ii. iv. f. 66v Beinge..thus frustrate of the increase of theyr seedes.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) v. i. 2 Go to him Dollabella, bid him yeeld, Being so frustrate, tell him, He mockes the pawses that he makes. View more context for this quotation
1642 J. Milton Apol. Smectymnuus 16 He who would not be frustrate of his hope to write well hereafter in laudable things, ought him selfe to bee a true Poem.
1693 T. Urquhart & P. A. Motteux tr. F. Rabelais 3rd Bk. Wks. Prol. 13 He was altogether frustrate and disappointed.
II. In adjectival use.† 5. Idle, vain, purposeless. Obsolete.
2. † b. Balked, disappointed of. Obsolete.
a. Bereft or deprived of, or of the chance of; destitute of. Obsolete exc. archaic. Cf. French frustré.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > non-possession > [adjective] > devoid of something > lacking or without
wane971
quit?c1225
helpless1362
desolatec1386
wantsomea1400
ungirtc1412
voidc1420
wantinga1475
destitutea1500
unfurnished1541
defect1543
bankrupt1567
frustrate1576
wanting1580
wanting1592
sterile1642
minus1807
lacking1838
to be stuck up for1860
short1873
wanting1874
quits1885
light1936
1576 A. Fleming tr. Cicero in Panoplie Epist. 3 Death..leaveth the body frustrate of feeling.
1587 A. Day Longus's Daphnis & Chloe sig. A3v Frustrate was his body of garments.
1602 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law i. Introd. 1 Such a profitable thing should [not] be altogether frustrate of attempt, howsoeuer voide of effect.
1616 J. Haig in J. Russell Haigs of Bemersyde (1881) vi. 140 I am frustrat of money, so that I cannot come to Newmarket myself.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. iv. 149 Returne againe from whence they came frustrate of power, and robbed of obedience.
1868 R. Browning Ring & Bk. II. iv. 7 The face Of Pietro frustrate of its ancient cheer.
1878 R. Browning La Saisiaz 364 At what moment did I so advance Near to knowledge as when frustrate of escape from ignorance.
ΚΠ
1563 2nd Tome Homelyes Sacrament ii, in J. Griffiths Two Bks. Homilies (1859) ii. 439 That the same most mercifull worke might..not be frustrate of his end and purpose.
1675 T. Hobbes tr. Homer Odysses x. 412 But of that intent I was made frustrate by the Company.
1703 A. B. Law Succession to Benefices 34 The great Work..becomes frustrate of its End.
3. † b. Of a legal document, enactment, or proceeding: Invalid, null, unavailing. Obsolete.
a. Failing of effect; ineffectual, fruitless, unavailing, useless. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > [adjective] > unavailing
gainlessc1175
speedless13..
unspeedfula1340
ineffectualc1425
frustratory1490
unvailablea1500
frustrate1529
uneffectual1548
unavailable1549
unfectual1549
bootless1559
dudgeon?1589
inavailable1650
unavailing1672
dud1914
1529 T. More Dialogue Heresyes i, in Wks. 144/1 And finally, then wer these wordes frustrate where he said: Lo, I am wt you al ye dayes to ye worldes ende.
1600 Maydes Metamorphosis iii. sig. D2 We wish ye to forbeare this frustrate mone.
1651 T. Stanley Poems 34 And doth relate His frustrate sport.
1716 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad II. v. 237 Some Guardian of the Skies Involv'd in Clouds..turns unseen the frustrate Dart away.
1785 T. Martyn tr. J.-J. Rousseau Lett. Elements Bot. x. 107 The florets..of the ray are imperfect, and therefore abortive or frustrate.
1847 R. W. Hamilton Disq. Sabbath (1848) i. 20 Else were creation a frustrate thing.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > rule of law > illegality > [adjective] > legally invalid or faulty
vicious1393
void1433
naughtc1449
irrite1482
frustrate1497
null1542
bad1613
inofficial1632
null and void1651
unfirm1660
uncurrent1702
invalid1768
inept1818
inoperative1885
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > cancellation, revocation > [adjective] > rendered void
irrite1482
frustrate1497
void1526
irritate1600
null and void1651
annihilatory1676
non inventus1678
invalid1768
non avenu1787
non est1858
negated1876
1497 J. Alcock Mons Perfeccionis (de Worde) C iij Without they be kept in dewe obedyence ben voyde & frustrate.
a1575 N. Harpsfield Treat. Divorce Henry VIII (1878) (modernized text) 46 Whether all marriages made against that prohibition were void and frustrate it is not very certain.
1590 H. Swinburne Briefe Treat. Test. & Willes vii. f. 263 The later testament doth make frustrate the former.
a1631 R. Cotton Abstr. Rec. Tower (1642) 6 Thus the Parliament continued..untill the King was out of debt, making frustrate the grant.
1664 Floddan Field i. 6 The league therefore and peace is vain And frustrate.
4. Of a desire, hope, purpose, etc.: Balked, defeated, disappointed, futile.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > failure or lack of success > defeat or overthrow > [adjective]
cravena1225
matec1225
to yield oneself creanta1250
confounded1362
checkmate?c1370
convictc1430
superatec1460
beaten1550
frustrate1588
convicteda1616
skinned1897
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > [adjective] > prevented or checked > thwarted
forbeft1487
prevented1568
frustrate1588
crossed1621
frustrateda1643
baffleda1658
nonsuit1679
balked1704
thwarted1828
1588 Queen Elizabeth I in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. III. 138 That purposse which we doubte not but by godes goodnes, shall prove frustrate.
1647 T. May Hist. Parl. ii. v. 91 Though that expectation were made frustrate by the Earl of Warwick.
1700 J. Dryden tr. Ovid Meleager & Atalanta in Fables 111 And Multitude makes frustrate the Design.
1740 W. Somervile Hobbinol iii. 348 His frustrate Hopes, and unavailing Pains.
1844 I. Williams Baptistery II. iv. 101 Men..in their frustrate longings still again The weary round of earthly things pursue!
1876 F. W. Farrar In Days of Youth xxxix. 395 To all of you pain must come..and many frustrate hopes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > [adjective]
idlec825
unnuteOE
bricklec1225
tooma1250
unnaita1250
vaina1300
waste1303
overvoida1382
voida1382
superfluec1384
daylessa1387
unbehovely1390
unprofitablea1398
unbehoveful1429
wastefulc1450
idleful1483
fruster1488
vainful1509
frustrate?a1513
superfluousa1533
addle1534
lost1535
fittle1552
futilea1575
nugatory1605
futilous1607
shiftless1613
tympanous1625
emptya1628
frustraneousa1643
pointless1673
futilitous1765
otiose1795
stultificatory1931
a1513 W. Dunbar Tabill of Confessioun in Poems (1998) I. 271 I knaw me vicius, lord, and rycht culpabill..Off frustrat [1568, a1586 frustir] speiking, in court, in kirk, in tabill.
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) i. ii. sig. A.vi So wer it vndoutedli frustrate to lay spiritual causes of comfort to him that hath no faith.
1535 Act 27 Hen. VIII c. 3 Without frustrate or wilful delay.
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > [adverb] > unavailingly
bootless1423
ineffectuallyc1610
bootlessly1612
frustrately1632
uneffectually1680
frustraneously1689
unavailingly1748
unavailably1860
1632 J. Vicars tr. Virgil XII Aeneids xi. 812 Great Tuscane dames, as she their towns past by, Wisht her their daughter in law, but frustrately.
Draft additions 1993
One who is frustrated or disappointed; an ineffectual person. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > [noun] > opposition of plans, frustrating > one who suffers
frustrate1934
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > [noun] > inefficacy > one who is
inefficient1898
ineffectual1925
frustrate1934
wuss1976
1934 in N. Webster Dict.
1955 R. Lindner Fifty-minute Hour 192 His screams were effective, too; for to his standard of hate and the glorification of the brutal flocked economic and social and psychological frustrates by scores.
1973 M. Foot Aneurin Bevan II. viii. 342 Bevan was leading ‘an uneasy coalition of well-meaning emotionalists, rejects, frustrates, crackpots and fellow-travellers’.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
frustratev.
/frʌˈstreɪt/, /ˈfrʌstreɪt/, U.S. /ˈfrəˌstreɪt/ 1.
a. transitive. To balk, disappoint (a person).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > thwart or foil > specifically a person
to warn (a person) his will1340
frustrate1447
disappoint1545
foila1564
balk1589
thorter1608
derail1891
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > disappoint, frustrate [verb (transitive)]
swikeOE
beguile1483
deludea1513
disappointa1513
dispointa1513
forsake1526
betray1594
mock1600
frustrate1663
evade1692
elude1694
balk1735
to let down1795
slip1890
1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) 100 So the abbot frustrat went home sory.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Antony & Cleopatra (1623) v. i. 2 Go to him Dollabella, bid him yeeld, Being so frustrate, tell him, He mockes the pawses that he makes. View more context for this quotation
1663 A. Wood Life & Times (1891) I. 509 And soe they were frustrated in their designes.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. xiii. 124 To improve their good sense in proportion as they were frustrated in ambition.
1847 G. P. R. James Convict iii He had been seldom frustrated in life.
1876 ‘G. Eliot’ Daniel Deronda II. iv. xxviii. 206 Gwendolen he would certainly not have been sorry to frustrate a little.
b. Const. of (a desired object). Now rare.
ΚΠ
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Matt. vi They frustrate and defeact themselues of that blessed rewarde, whiche [etc.].
a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 119 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) Being frustrated of your long desired presence and promises.
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World ii. 17 Being frustrated of getting over the River this way, we lookt about for a Tree to fell across the River.
1754 J. Edwards Careful Enq. Freedom of Will ii. xi. 115 God, after he had made the World, was liable to be wholly frustrated of his End in the Creation of it.
1865 Pall Mall Gaz. 30 Dec. 1 Frustrating them [Americans] of what they consider their ‘destiny’.
2.
a. To deprive of effect, render ineffectual; to neutralize, counteract (an effort or effect).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > be of no avail [verb (intransitive)]
to stand for something (or nothing)OE
frustrate1471
unavail1866
to cut ice1894
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > uselessness, vanity, or futility > be of no avail to [verb (transitive)] > have no effect upon > render ineffectual
voida1340
mortifyc1390
to lay in water?c1425
frustrate1471
stint1509
mutilatec1570
dead1602
unvirtuate1611
ineffectuate1633
nonplus1640
1471 G. Ripley Compound of Alchymy v, in E. Ashmole Theatrum Chem. Britannicum (1652) 148 That thy labor therfore be not frustrate.
1553 R. Eden tr. S. Münster Treat. Newe India sig. Bv To bewray poisons, and to frustrate thopperacion therof.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 762 They are heartlesse, if they see defence to frustrate their arrowes.
1671 J. Webster Metallographia vi. 108 Yet they not lying near enough the superficies of the earth, may frustrate its effects.
1703 J. Barrett Analecta 50 Is not such a Course likely to frustrate to them all means of Conversion?
1841 M. Elphinstone Hist. India II. vi. i. 23 He endeavoured to frustrate the effects of it by imposing many humiliating ceremonies on Bakarra Khán.
1875 F. H. A. Scrivener 6 Lect. Text New Test. 9 The worst effects of the enemy's malice were frustrated.
b. To make null and void; to annul, abrogate (a law, etc.); to do away with (a right). Now somewhat rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > law > rule of law > illegality > render illegal [verb (transitive)] > deprive of legal validity
abatea1325
squatcha1325
voida1325
allayc1325
annul1395
reverse1395
revokec1400
rupt?a1425
repealc1425
abroge1427
defeat1429
purloin1461
cassa1464
toll1467
resume1472
reprove1479
suspend1488
discharge1495
reduce1498
cassate1512
defease1512
denulla1513
disannula1513
fordoa1513
avoid1514–5
abrogate?1520
frustrate1528
revert1528
disaffirm?1530
extinct1530
resolve1537
null1538
nihilate1545
extinguish1548
elidec1554
revocate1564
annullate1570
squat1577
skaila1583
irritate1605
retex1606
nullify1607
unable1611
refix1621
vitiate1627
invalid1643
vacate1643
unlaw1644
outlaw1647
invalidate1649
disenact1651
vacuate1654
supersedec1674
destroy1805
break1891
society > law > legal right > withdrawal or loss of legal rights > take away a right [verb (transitive)]
devest1538
renversec1586
disprivilege1622
divest1790
frustrate1831
1528 S. Gardiner in N. Pocock Rec. Reformation I. l. 103 The said Commission might be..frustrate and letted.
1601 R. Johnson tr. G. Botero Trauellers Breuiat 60 The Ordinances of these diets cannot be frustrated, but by another diet.
1660 R. Coke Elements Power & Subjection 205 in Justice Vindicated Nor [ought] the Laws and Statutes of this Realm [to be] by him frustrated.
1831 W. Hamilton in Edinb. Rev. June 407 The fellows frustrated the common right of graduates to the office of tutor.
a1848 R. W. Hamilton Rewards & Punishm. (1853) vi. 239 A moral system is not frustrated, so long as it can enforce its sanctions.
3. To render vain; to balk, disappoint (a hope, expectation, etc.); to baffle, defeat, foil (a design, purpose, etc.). Also, †to prevent the fulfilment of (a prophecy).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > disappoint, frustrate [verb (transitive)] > frustrate, thwart
discomfitc1230
blenk?a1400
mispoint1480
fruster1490
frustrate?a1513
disappoint1545
destitutea1563
foila1564
deceive1571
thwart1581
balka1593
discomfort1596
unwont1629
fail1634
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > the fulfilment of a prophecy
frustrate?a1513
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > thwart or foil
false?c1225
confoundc1315
blenk?a1400
matea1400
interrupt1464
blench1485
fruster?a1513
frustrate?a1513
infatuate1533
disappoint1545
prevent1555
foila1564
blank1566
thwart1581
confute1589
dispurpose1607
shorten1608
foola1616
vain1628
balk1635
throwa1650
scotch1654
bafflea1674
crossbar1680
transverse1770
tomahawk1773
throttle1825
wreck1855
stultify1865
derail1889
to pull the plug1923
rank1924
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 115 Sleipand and walkand wes frustrat my desyre.
1541 T. Elyot Image of Gouernance vii. f. 14v Noble Germanicus (who shulde haue succeded Tiberius in the empire, if the treason of Piso had not frustrate the trust of the people).
1608 W. Shakespeare King Lear xx. 64 Twas yet some comfort When misery could beguile the tyrants rage And frustrate his proud will. View more context for this quotation
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage 116 Julian..sent for worke~men from all places, thinking to frustrate Christs prophecie concerning the Temple.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Frick Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 17 But our hopes were strangely frustrated: for we quite lost our course.
1732 T. Lediard tr. J. Terrasson Life Sethos II. ix. 339 He was..thoughtful of..frustrating Anteus's unjust design.
1769 W. Blackstone Comm. Laws Eng. IV. 14 The innocent has a chance to frustrate or avoid the villany.
1809 J. Roland Amateur of Fencing 67 You have the power frequently to frustrate your adversary's intended motion.
1846 H. H. Wilson Hist. Brit. India 1805–35 II. iv. 155 Sastri's enemies..had come from Baroda to frustrate his negotiation.
1858 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. (1873) II. viii. 548 His plan was frustrated, owing to its premature announcement by his friends in Paris.
Derivatives
frustrating n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > [noun] > opposition of plans, frustrating
fruster1488
frustrationa1575
discomfita1616
frustrating1640
thwarting1825
discomfiture1828
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > [noun] > thwarting or being thwarted
confoundinga1450
frustrationa1575
prevention1582
frustrating1640
baffling1689
thwarting1825
discomfiting1826
bafflement1841
derailment1896
snookering1935
1640 G. Watts tr. F. Bacon Of Advancem. Learning vi. iii. 298 The frustrating of that vaine conceit, makes it seem longer than the truth.
1649 Εἰκων Βασιλικη v. 31 Let thy grace teach Mee wisely to enjoie as well the frustrateings, as the fulfillings of My best hopes.
a1665 K. Digby Private Mem. (1827) 117 To continue too long in such a school is a frustrating of the intent of it.
1843 E. Bulwer-Lytton Last of Barons II. iv. i. 6 I shall know how to advise Edward to the frustrating all your schemes.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > disappointment > [noun] > opposition of plans, frustrating > one who causes
frustrater1676
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > [noun] > thwarting or being thwarted > one who or that which
frustrater1676
baffler1677
foiler1700
spoil-sport1801
1676 Pacquet Advices to Men of Shaftesbury 39 Continual Frustrater of the Parliamentary Constitution.
1681 R. Baxter Answer to Mr. Dodwell 149 I would have endeavoured to avoid the common frustraters of Disputes.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1898; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.1447
v.1447