fluster
[fluhs-ter]
- to put into a state of agitated confusion: His constant criticism flustered me.
- to excite and confuse with drink.
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- to become agitatedly confused.
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- nervous excitement or confusion.
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Origin of fluster
Synonyms
See more synonyms for fluster on Thesaurus.com1. upset, bewilder, disconcert, disturb. 4. turmoil, agitation, upset, bewilderment, distraction.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for flustered
Contemporary Examples
It's important that though she's flustered she knows his number and stands up to him as his equal.
Flustered, I typed “iTunes” into the tiny oblong search box to see how many charges there were in total.
Woman Finds Mysterious Charges on Her iTunes Bill: A Modern Whodunit!Nancy Neufeld Callaway
January 31, 2014
On the phone, Walt is flustered—he says “bug up his butt” instead of “stick”—but Skyler buys it.
Latest ‘Breaking Bad’ Episode, ‘Ozymandias,’ Is Most Action-Packed YetAndrew Romano
September 16, 2013
As a flustered Ally regales the encounter, a flashback reveals the entire, surprisingly explicit soap-and-squeegee affair.
The 'Reign' Steamy Stairwell Shocker & TV’s 13 Dirtiest Sex Scenes (VIDEO)Kevin Fallon
October 11, 2012
Flustered at the lobby full of black people, the ad men discuss how best to handle the situation.
Historical Examples
Now, when I'm arrested for speeding, I'm not in the least flustered—oh, not a little bit!
Within the LawMarvin Dana
"It's all right, Fannie," Aggie said hastily to the flustered maid.
Within the LawMarvin Dana
His waistcoat was red, and he wore knee-breeches, but his aspect was flustered.
The Secret AgentJoseph Conrad
He was too flustered to do more than return the pressure of the small, firm hand.
The DownfallEmile Zola
I was so flustered and—and tickled to see her that I forgot everything, manners and all.
Thankful's InheritanceJoseph C. Lincoln
fluster
- to make or become confused, nervous, or upset
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- a state of confusion or agitation
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Word Origin
C15: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic flaustr to hurry, flaustra to bustle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for flustered
fluster
v.
early 15c. (implied in flostyrynge), from a Scandinavian source (cf. Icelandic flaustr "bustle," flaustra "to bustle"). Originally "to excite," especially with drink; sense of "to flurry, confuse" is from 1724. Related: Flustered; flustering. As a noun, 1710, from the verb.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper