fluster

UK: /ˈflʌstə^r/ US: /ˈflʌstɚ/ ,(flus′tər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

flus•ter /ˈflʌstɚ/   v. 

1. to (cause to) become nervous or confused: [~ + object]
   I was flustered by my unexpected visitor.
   [no object]
   He flusters too easily.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

flus•ter  (flus′tər), v.t. 

1. to put into a state of agitated confusion:
   His constant criticism flustered me.
2. to excite and confuse with drink.

v.i. 

3. to become agitatedly confused.

n. 

4. nervous excitement or confusion.

• 1375–1425; late Middle English flostren; compare bluster, Old Norse flaustra to hurry

Synonyms

• 1. upset, bewilder, disconcert, disturb.
• 4. turmoil, agitation, upset, bewilderment, distraction.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

fluster / ˈflʌstə/ verb

1. to make or become confused, nervous, or upset

noun

1. a state of confusion or agitation

Etymology: 15th Century: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Icelandic flaustr to hurry, flaustra to bustle