Thwart Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thwart

[θwɔːt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a game

Prevent (someone) from accomplishing something.

Synonyms

hinder, impede, obstruct, sabotage.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thwart	It is often used to describe the action of preventing someone's plans or efforts from coming to fruition. The hero managed to thwart the villain's evil plan. Her attempts to thwart my progress were unsuccessful.
hinder	This word is used to describe causing delay or difficulty in the progress of something. It doesn't necessarily imply malicious intent. Strong winds hindered the flight's schedule. His lack of experience may hinder his career growth.
obstruct	Obstruct is often used in situations where something is physically or metaphorically blocking a path or progress. Fallen trees obstructed the road after the storm. His attempt to obstruct the investigation was futile.
impede	This term is commonly used in more formal contexts to indicate slowing down the progress of something, often due to obstacles. The construction work will impede traffic throughout the day. Her injury could impede her performance in the race.
sabotage	This word has a strong negative connotation and is used when someone deliberately tries to destroy or damage something. The spy tried to sabotage the mission. There were accusations that the candidate sabotaged his opponent's campaign.

Examples of usage

He never did anything to thwart his father.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a game

A person or thing that prevents someone from accomplishing something.

Synonyms

barrier, block, hindrance, obstacle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thwart	Use when describing an intentional action that prevents someone from achieving a goal. Has a slightly negative or adversarial tone. The police thwarted the robbery attempt. Her plans to travel were thwarted by the sudden storm.
obstacle	Refers to something that is in the way of progress, often requiring effort to be overcome. Used in both literal and figurative senses, typically neutral or mildly negative. They had to overcome many obstacles to reach their destination. Fear of failure can be a major obstacle in achieving success.
hindrance	Describes something that makes it difficult to achieve something, but doesn’t necessarily stop it entirely. Has a more indirect or minor negative tone compared to ‘block’ or ‘barrier’. The heavy traffic was a hindrance to their progress. His lack of experience was a hindrance in the job interview.
barrier	Refers to a physical or metaphorical divider that prevents progress or communication. Can be used in various contexts including physical, social, or psychological. The language barrier made communication difficult. They faced many barriers to entry in that market.
block	Often used to describe something that physically or metaphorically gets in the way, stopping movement or progress. Neutral tone. A fallen tree blocked the road. She had a mental block during the exam.

Examples of usage

The potential for a new law to be a thwart to social progress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet', characters often thwart each other's plans, showing the word's dramatic impact.
The word appears in countless novels and stories, representing conflict and resolution as heroes thwart villains.
Classic fairy tales often revolve around a hero thwarting a villain's wicked plans, showcasing bravery.

Psychology

Thwarted goals can lead to frustration, which is a key concept in motivation theories.
The 'frustration-aggression hypothesis' suggests that when goals are thwarted, it can trigger angry emotions.
Understanding how and why we thwart others' goals can help improve communication and relationships.

Pop Culture

In superhero movies, protagonists frequently thwart the evil plans of their adversaries, showcasing moral victories.
The word is popular in gaming, often reflecting players' strategies to thwart opponents.
Numerous films and books use the concept of thwarting to build tension and excitement in plots.

Science

In ecology, certain species can thwart the survival of others by competing for resources, showcasing nature’s balance.
Thwarting, in terms of ecosystems, can refer to how invasive species disrupt native species' habitats.
Scientists study how environmental changes can thwart specific life cycles of organisms, impacting biodiversity.

Origin of 'thwart'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old Norse term 'thverr', which means 'to turn'.
It has been used in English since the late 15th century, originally referring to turning something aside.
Over time, its meaning shifted to the idea of preventing or hindering actions.

The word 'thwart' originated from the Old English word 'thwert', meaning 'perverse, adverse'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to actions that hinder or obstruct progress. The term has been used in various contexts, including games and everyday situations, to describe the act of preventing someone from achieving their goals.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,438, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16435 attacker
16436 finder
16437 howl
16438 thwart
16439 underline
16440 antisocial
16441 secretariat
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