Foiled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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foiled
[fɔɪld ]
Definition
prevent success
To foil means to prevent something from succeeding or to thwart a plan. This term is often used in the context of thwarting the efforts of an adversary or to counteract an action. For instance, if someone has a malicious plan, and you successfully stop them, you have foiled their intentions. The term can be applied to various situations, including law enforcement, competition, and personal challenges.
Synonyms
counter, frustrate, prevent, stymie, thwart.
Examples of usage
- The police foiled the robbery in progress.
- She foiled his attempts to sabotage her work.
- The hero foiled the villain's plan once again.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many stories, a hero encounters a nemesis whose plans get 'foiled', emphasizing the classic struggle between good and evil.
- Shakespeare often employed the concept of foiling through characters, such as in 'Hamlet', where actions are repeatedly thwarted.
- A literary foil is also a character who contrasts with another to highlight particular qualities, creating dramatic tension.
Pop Culture
- Foiling plots is common in superhero movies, where villains devise schemes that are ultimately thwarted by the hero.
- In TV shows like 'Scooby-Doo', the gang often foils the plans of villains, showcasing teamwork and cleverness.
- Comedians often use foiling as a device in stand-up routines, where a setup is followed by a comment that disrupts expectations.
Psychology
- Experiencing foiling can lead to feelings of frustration or disappointment, as it disrupts one's expectations of success.
- Research shows people learn from foiled attempts, developing resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges.
- In cognitive psychology, foiling can be related to the concept of the 'illusion of control', as people believe they have power over outcomes.
History
- Throughout history, many battles were won when one side successfully foiled the tactics of the other, changing the course of wars.
- In espionage history, numerous spy missions include plots that get foiled, leading to legendary tales of intrigue.
- Famous heists and robberies often feature the narrative of plans being foiled by unexpected police interventions.
Origin of 'foiled'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'foiled' comes from the Old French word 'feuilles', meaning 'leaves', referring to layers that can stop or cover.
- In English, 'foiled' originally referred to something being covered with thin metal sheets, leading to its modern meaning of 'thwarted'.
- The verb form dates back to the 14th century, where it indicated the act of preventing someone from succeeding.
The word 'foil' originates from the Middle English 'foilen', which means 'to deflect or to prevent'. It is derived from the Old French 'foiler', meaning 'to cover with leaves' or 'to digress', which in turn has roots in the Latin 'foliare', meaning 'to leaf or to spread'. Originally used in the context of fencing to denote a thin sword used during practice, the term evolved into a more figurative term for thwarting someone's efforts or plans. Its usage has been documented in English literature since the late 15th century, and has since expanded to describe broader contexts of prevention and obstruction.