verb

thwart

/θwɔːrt/ · say it: thWORT

to prevent from succeeding

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to prevent someone from succeeding or achieving something

2. (verb) to block or obstruct something

Examples

1. The security measures thwarted the robbery attempt.
2. Bad weather thwarted our plans for the picnic.

How to use thwart

Thwart is a somewhat formal verb meaning to deliberately prevent someone from achieving a goal or to block something. It often implies active opposition or an obstacle that stops progress. It is more emphatic and deliberate-sounding than the milder 'prevent' and is commonly used in narrative, news, and formal writing rather than everyday speech.

Common phrases

thwart an attempt
thwart a plan
thwart someone's efforts
deliberately thwart
successfully thwart

Synonyms

frustrate · foil · block · obstruct · hinder

Opposites

enable · facilitate · assist

Word family

thwarted (adjective) · thwarting (gerund) · thwarts (verb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse thwart with thaw (which means to melt ice or become warmer). Thwart has no connection to temperature; it means to obstruct or block.

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