Thwarted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ซ
thwarted
[ฮธwษหrtษชd ]
Definition
preventing success
To thwart means to prevent someone from accomplishing something. It often implies an active interference that foils or frustrates plans or efforts. This term can refer to hindering progress in various contexts, such as personal goals, projects, or adversaries' plans. Thwarting can be done through various means, including sabotage, confrontation, or strategic maneuvering.
Synonyms
frustrate, hinder, impede, obstruct, prevent.
Examples of usage
- She thwarted his attempt to take credit for the project.
- The heavy rain thwarted our picnic plans.
- He thwarted the villain's evil scheme at the last moment.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In Shakespeare's plays, characters often face thwarted ambitions and desires, showcasing the struggles between fate and intention.
- In modern literature, protagonists frequently encounter thwarting forces, leading to deeper character development and moral dilemmas.
- Classic tales, like 'The Odyssey,' feature heroes whose journeys are thwarted by gods, symbolizing the unpredictable nature of fate.
Psychological Impact
- Experiencing thwarted goals can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, or helplessness, which can affect mental well-being.
- Research shows that thwarted expectations in children can lead to resilience when they learn to cope with setbacks.
- Psychologically, facing thwarted plans can trigger a reevaluation of one's priorities and exacerbate problem-solving skills.
Pop Culture
- Many songs feature themes of thwarted love, where characters express their struggles and failures in relationships.
- Movies often depict heroes whose plans are thwarted by villains, creating tension that keeps audiences engaged.
- In video games, players regularly encounter challenges that thwart their progress, adding to the excitement of overcoming obstacles.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, numerous political uprisings have been thwarted by powerful regimes, reflecting the struggle for freedom.
- Inventions have faced thwarting criticisms and obstacles, such as the initial rejection of the telephone before it transformed communication.
- Significant social movements, like women's suffrage, often encountered substantial thwarting resistance before achieving success.
Origin of 'thwarted'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'thwart' comes from Old Norse 'thverr,' meaning 'to cross or go across,' which reflects its meaning of obstruction.
- It can be traced back to Middle English, where it was often used to describe crossing something in a negative way, like a barrier.
- The prefix 'th-' represents action, resulting in the development of the term as one that indicates opposition.
The word 'thwart' originates from the Old English term 'รพweorhtan', which meant to 'counter' or 'oppose'. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root '*thwerhan', which conveyed the idea of turning back or turning aside. This notion of opposition and prevention can be traced through various Germanic languages, illustrating the evolution of the term through time. In Middle English, 'thwart' was used more broadly and began to appear in literary texts to emphasize the act of hindering or obstructing plans or movements. Over the centuries, 'thwart' has maintained a consistent meaning and is often applied in both everyday language and more formal contexts to describe actions that interfere with intentions or goals.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #14,905, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
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