1
Core action
Prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
Example
Early detection helped thwart the attack.
thwart
/θwɔːt/ · THWORTverb
Prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
Use thwart to express this relationship precisely: prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
What thwart Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Common construction
Use this expression in its normal grammatical frame so the relationship between the surrounding ideas remains explicit.
Example
Persistent drought thwarted efforts to restore the marsh.
3
Reasoning effect
It tells the reader how to interpret the timing, scope, evidence, contrast, condition, or consequence in the statement.
Example
The safeguards were designed to thwart unauthorised access.
Use thwart Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Early detection helped thwart the attack.
Persistent drought thwarted efforts to restore the marsh.
The safeguards were designed to thwart unauthorised access.
Precision Matters
Thwart overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
thwart
vs.Means prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
impede
Means to prevent, obstruct, or slow progress.
thwart
vs.Means prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
preclude
Means to prevent something from happening or make it impossible.
thwart
vs.Means prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
circumvent
Means to find a way around or avoid an obstacle.
thwart
vs.Means prevent, block, or frustrate a plan, effort, or harmful outcome.
undermine
Means to weaken, erode, or reduce confidence in something.
Test thwart in Context
The flooding could block the attempt and prevent its success.
1
Unexpected flooding may ___ the team's attempt to reach the site before winter.