Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FRUS'TRATE, v.t. [L. frustro; Fr. frustrer; Sp. frustrar; allied probably to Fr. froisser, briser, Arm. brousta, freuza, to break. Class Rd or Rs.]

1. Literally, to break or interrupt; hence, to defeat; to disappoint; to balk; to bring to nothing; as, to frustrate a plan, design or attempt; to frustrate the will or purpose.
2. To disappoint; applied to persons.
3. To make null; to nullify; to render of no effect; as, to frustrate a conveyance or deed.