thwart

[US]/θwɔːt/
[UK]/θwɔːrt/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. to block or prevent (someone) from achieving their goals; oppose or hinder
adj. placed or positioned across; stubborn
n. a seat across a boat; the crossbar of a canoe

Phrases & Collocations

thwart a plan

thwart an attempt

thwart a scheme

Example Sentences

thwart the enemy's conspiracy

be thwarted in one's plans

They thwarted her plans.

We must thwart his malevolent schemes.

Our plans for a picnic were thwarted by the rain.

her ambitions are thwarted by whitey in publishing.

We were thwarted at every turn.

The guards thwarted his attempt to escape from prison.

if you get thwarted, c'est la vie.

he never did anything to thwart his father.

he was thwarted in his desire to punish Uncle Fred.

The sudden storm thwarted the farmers getting in wheat.

with cross thwarts for seats and rowlocks for oars with which it is propelled.

the government had been able to thwart all attempts by opposition leaders to form new parties.

Goalkeepers are paid to uglify matters, to thwart the great artists with a dark artistry of their own.

Chiastolite is often mentioned as a gemstone of protection and was once used to thwart evil eye curses.

Real-world Examples

The President has not offered an alternative plan to thwart Iran's nuclear development.

Source: Time

With few exceptions, these efforts have been thwarted by the courts.

Source: The Economist - Finance

The Israeli government says an Iranian plan to attack Israelis in Cyprus has been thwarted.

Source: BBC Listening Collection June 2023

Rival parties from the left and center-right joint forces to thwart the National Rally's campaign.

Source: BBC Listening Compilation June 2021

The skilful Italians soon thwarted any hope of English victory.

Source: BBC Listening December 2016 Collection

Had the Order thwarted him, stopped him from seizing it?

Source: 5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

In 2016 Mr Modi abruptly cancelled most Indian banknotes in an effort to thwart money-laun-dering.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

But one distressing circumstance totally thwarted the Canadian's plans.

Source: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Original Version)

They helped thwart attack plans, capture terrorists and save American lives.

Source: NPR News December 2014 Collection

They say those arrests were to thwart an imminent attack.

Source: NPR News January 2015 Compilation

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