fluster
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to put into a state of agitated confusion.
His constant criticism flustered me.
- Synonyms:
- disturb, disconcert, bewilder, upset
-
to excite and confuse with drink.
verb (used without object)
noun
verb
noun
Etymology
Origin of fluster
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English flostren; bluster, Old Norse flaustra “to hurry”
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Every time, he managed to fluster me anyway.
From Slate • May 27, 2023
Throughout the attempts, I was also struck that nothing seemed to fluster the AI.
From Scientific American • May 25, 2023
The Terrapins were on their heels in the second quarter, when Notre Dame used a 13-0 run to take a 27-19 lead as its zone seemed to fluster Maryland.
From Washington Post • Mar. 25, 2023
In a game where the Bruins’ sturdy backbone came together to fluster and flummox a disciplined Gaels team in a 72-56 victory, that backbone crumpled.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2022
She gave him a hug, which seemed to fluster him, but Piper couldn’t help liking Frank.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
