Spanish word

frustrar

Pronunciation

IPA/fɾusˈtɾaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbdisappoint

Example

No quiero frustrar a mi hijo.

I don't want to disappoint my son.

Illustration for frustrar (disappoint)

More examples

La falta de acuerdo puede frustrar la negociación.

Lack of agreement can derail the negotiation.

Core concept

A blocked plan that causes disappointment.

Common phrases

  • frustrar a alguien

    disappoint someone

  • frustrar un intento

    thwart an attempt

  • frustrar la negociación

    derail the negotiation

Similar words

decepcionar: Leaves someone emotionally disappointed by not meeting their expectations.
impedir: Prevents movement or plans from proceeding so they cannot be executed.
arruinar: Completely ruins a plan or thing so it becomes unusable.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer fracasar o invalidar un proyecto, esfuerzo o esperanza, provocando desilusión en las personas afectadas.

Word origin

From Latin frustra 'in vain' via frustrāre, originally meaning to render a project or hope vain or to foil an effort.

Usage tips

  • Used transitively with projects, hopes, or people ('frustrar a alguien'), and unlike decepcionar it stresses that something was made to fail or was actively prevented.

Other meanings

  • preventverb
  • thwartverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word