# thwart

/ˈθwɔɹt/ (US) · /θwˈɔːt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thwart
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to stop someone from doing what they planned or to prevent something from happening. You use this when a person or a problem gets in the way of a goal.

For teachers: to prevent someone from accomplishing a purpose or to frustrate a plan or effort. Transitive; requires a direct object representing the goal or the person attempting it.

## Examples

- The heavy rain will thwart our plans for a picnic.
- Security guards managed to thwart the robbery attempt before the suspects could reach the vault.
- The diplomat's efforts to secure a lasting peace were repeatedly thwarted by deep-seated historical animosities and a lack of trust between the negotiating parties.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.