frustrate
1. frus.trate \'fr*s-.tra-t\ vt [ME frustraten, fr. L frustratus, pp. of
frustrare to deceive], frustrate, fr. frustra in error, in vain; akin to L
fraus fraud - more at FRAUD 1a: to balk or defeat in an endeavor 1b: to
induce feelings of discouragement in 2a: to bring to nothing 2b: to make
invalid or of no effect : NULLIFY , OUTWIT: FRUSTRATE implies making vain
or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent; THWART suggests
frustration by running counter to or crossing one making headway; FOIL
implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort; BAFFLE
implies frustration by confusing or puzzling; BALK suggests the interposing
of obstacles or hindrances; CIRCUMVENT implies frustration by a particular
stratagem, OUTWIT by craft and cunning SYN syn THWART, FOIL, BAFFLE, BALK,
CIRCUMVENT
2. frustrate aj : FRUSTRATED