Frustrate : prevent (a plan or attempted action) from progressing, succeeding, or being fulfilled. Cheat : act dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage. Pervert : distort or corrupt the original course, meaning, or state of (something). Depress : make (someone) feel utterly dispirited or dejected. Deflect : cause (something) to change direction; turn aside from a straight course.