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thwart — to prevent someone or something from accomplishing a purpose; to oppose successfully

Part of speech: VERB

Definition: to prevent someone or something from accomplishing a purpose; to oppose successfully

Pronunciation (IPA): /θwɔːrt/

Example Sentences

  • My cat seems to have a special talent for thwarting my work-from-home productivity.
  • The detective's quick thinking thwarted the criminal's escape plan.
  • Bad weather thwarted the outdoor wedding ceremony.

thwart

VERB

[/θwɔːrt/]

to prevent someone or something from accomplishing a purpose; to oppose successfully

While the thief almost grabbed the glowing diamond, a sudden security cage dropped down and completely thwarted his plan.
💡 Concept

While the thief almost grabbed the glowing diamond, a sudden security cage dropped down and completely thwarted his plan.

TH(the) + WAR(war) + T(trap) — by setting a massive hidden T(trap) in TH(the) WAR(war), the general managed to completely thwart the enemy's attack.
🧠 Mnemonic

TH(the) + WAR(war) + T(trap) — by setting a massive hidden T(trap) in TH(the) WAR(war), the general managed to completely thwart the enemy's attack.

By quickly building a massive stone fort, the villagers were able to safely thwart the red dragon's fiery attack.
🎵 Rhyme

By quickly building a massive stone fort, the villagers were able to safely thwart the red dragon's fiery attack.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/θwɔːrt/
🇬🇧 UK/θwɔːt/

🌳Etymology

Rootthwart

Origin

From Old Norse 'þvert' meaning 'transverse' or 'across,' related to the adjective meaning 'athwart' or 'sideways.' The word entered English through Scandinavian influence during the Viking period.

Breakdown

thwart: from Old Norse þvert (across) + English verbal suffix -art = to place across or block the path of

🎵Rhyme

court
sport
fort
port

🔗Collocations

thwart plans
thwart attempts
thwart efforts
thwart enemies
completely thwart
thwart expectations

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat seems to have a special talent for thwarting my work-from-home productivity.”

“The detective's quick thinking thwarted the criminal's escape plan.”

“Bad weather thwarted the outdoor wedding ceremony.”

😄 Fun example

“His mother's surprise visit thwarted his plans to throw a party.”

📚Related Words

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