frustration (redirected from frustrations)

frustration [frəs′trā·shən]

(psychology)

The experience of nonfulfillment of some wish or need.

(solid-state physics)

In spin glasses, a phenomenon in which individual magnetic moments receive competing ordering instructions via different routes, because of the variation of the interaction between pairs of atomic moments with separation.

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Frustration

See also Exasperation, Futility.

Akaki

poor government clerk saves to buy a new overcoat, only to have it stolen. [Russ. Lit.: Gogol The Overcoat in Magill II, 790]

Angstrom, Harry “Rabbit”

former basketball star frustrated by demands of adult life. [Am. Lit.: Rabbit, Run, Magill IV, 1042–1044]

Barataria

dishes removed before Sancho tasted them. [Span. Lit.: Don Quixote]

Bundren, Addie

family continually thwarted in 9-day attempt to bury her. [Am. Lit.: As I Lay Dying]

Catch-22

Air Force captain’s appeal to be grounded for insanity not granted because desire to avoid combat proves sanity. [Am. Lit.: Joseph Heller Catch-22]

coyote

foiled in attempts to enjoy prey. [Am. Ind. Folklore: Mercatante, 77–78]

Henderson the Rain King

character’s frustration shown by his continually saying, “I want, I want.” [Am. Lit.: Henderson the Rain King]

Joseph K

accused of a mysterious crime, fails in his attempts to seek exoneration, and is executed. [Ger. Lit.: Kafka The Trial]

K

. continually hindered from gaining entrance to mysterious castle. [Ger. Lit.: The Castle]

Old Mother Hubbard

foiled at all attempts to care for dog. [Nurs. Rhyme: Baring-Gould, 111–113]

Raven, The

answer for quests of longing: “Nevermore.” [Am. Lit.: “The Raven” in Hart, 656]

Sharpless

frustrated in attempt to prepare Cio-Cio-San for disappointment. [Ital. Opera: Puccini, Madame Butterfly, Westerman, 358]

Sisyphus

man condemned to roll up a hill a huge stone which always rolls back before he gets it to the top. [Gk. Myth.: Brewer Dictionary, 1006]

Tantalus

condemned in Hades to thirst after receding water. [Gk. Myth.: Brewer Dictionary, 1062]

Three Sisters, The

sisters live dull, provincial lives, yearning to return to the gay life of Moscow. [Russ. Drama: Benét, 1005]

Watty, Mr.

bankrupt; waits years for court action. [Br. Lit.: Pickwick Papers]