First Known Use: 1604
Dictionary
1fluster
verb flus·ter \ˈfləs-tər\
: to make (someone) nervous and confused
flus·teredflus·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of FLUSTER
transitive verb
1
: to make tipsy
2
: to put into a state of agitated confusion : upset
intransitive verb
: to move or behave in an agitated or confused manner
— flus·tered·ly adverb
See fluster defined for English-language learners
See fluster defined for kids
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Origin of FLUSTER
probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic flaustur hurry
Related to FLUSTER
Synonym Discussion of FLUSTER
discompose, disquiet, disturb, perturb, agitate, upset, fluster mean to destroy capacity for collected thought or decisive action. discompose implies some degree of loss of self-control or self-confidence especially through emotional stress <discomposed by the loss of his beloved wife>. disquiet suggests loss of sense of security or peace of mind <the disquieting news of factories closing>. disturb implies interference with one's mental processes caused by worry, perplexity, or interruption <the discrepancy in accounts disturbed me>. perturb implies deep disturbance of mind and emotions <perturbed by her husband's strange behavior>. agitate suggests obvious external signs of nervous or emotional excitement <in his agitated state we could see he was unable to work>. upset implies the disturbance of normal or habitual functioning by disappointment, distress, or grief <the family's constant bickering upsets the youngest child>. fluster suggests bewildered agitation <his declaration of love completely flustered her>.
2fluster
noun
Definition of FLUSTER
: a state of agitated confusion
First Known Use of FLUSTER
1712
FLUSTERING Defined for Kids
1fluster
verb flus·ter \ˈflə-stər\
flus·teredflus·ter·ing
Definition of FLUSTER for Kids
: to make nervous and confused : upset
2fluster
noun
Definition of FLUSTER for Kids
: a state of nervous confusion <… when they were getting ready to go out they were all in a fluster. — Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy>
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