Learn English – Word for “utter frustration?”

single-word-requests

In the current post-fact / "alternative fact" political climate, what is a word to describe the feeling that one has while listening to or conversing with a person who absolutely refuses to acknowledge plain facts (or conversely, proffers unsubstantiated claims as fact)?

I thought maybe "flummoxed" but that doesn't seem strong enough to convey being one step away from banging your head against the wall in frustration.

Best Answer

I think this word convey's the an emotionally trying, angry sort of (frustration?):

exasperated

google's definition of exasperate

ex·as·per·ate verb

past tense: exasperated; past participle: exasperated

  • irritate intensely; infuriate.

"this futile process exasperates prison officials"

synonyms: infuriate, incense, anger, annoy, irritate, madden, enrage, antagonize, provoke, irk, vex, get on someone's nerves, ruffle someone's feathers, rub the wrong way; More

The only issue issue I have with the word is that we've probably watered down it's intensity by frequently applying it to our reaction to children's or teen's poor behavior. (behavior which while maddening might be expected to come with the territory).

How a word is perceived is as important as it's dictionary definition sometimes.

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