What does thwart mean?
Thwart most often means to prevent an action, plan, or ambition from succeeding. It suggests that progress has been obstructed, whether by deliberate interference, a difficult circumstance, or bad luck: an accident may thwart someone's plans just as an opponent may thwart an attempt. The word is somewhat more forceful and formal than obstruct and often carries the implication of frustrating a person or defeating a purpose. In older and literary usage, thwart can also function as an adjective meaning frustrated or defeated. A separate, chiefly nautical noun denotes a crosswise beam or seat in a boat, against which a rower could brace their feet. The verb is by far the dominant modern use. Because thwart combines the ideas of crossing and opposition, it is especially effective in contexts involving interference, frustration, and the failure of intended action.
To prevent someone or something from succeeding, especially by obstructing a plan or effort.
"Official restrictions thwarted the organizers' attempt to complete the project."
Common in both formal and informal English; it may describe deliberate interference or an unforeseen obstacle.
Frustrated or defeated; thwarted.
"Despite several setbacks, the team continued its thwart campaign for recognition."
Literary and less common than the verb.
A crosswise beam or seat in a boat, used to support a rower's feet.
"The rowers braced their feet against the thwart as the boat moved into the current."
Chiefly used in nautical contexts.
The plural is used for multiple crosswise seats or beams in a boat.
"The crew lowered the oars and rested them across the thwarts."
Thwart began as a word for being across something, but evolved into one for getting in the way of success.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does thwart come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old Norse þvert, meaning “across” or “crosswise.” Its early sense referred to extending or being situated across something, before it developed into the modern verb meaning to obstruct or frustrate. The crosswise sense is reflected in the closely related word athwart and is also comparable with the Latin-based family represented by transverse.
Related word forms
How thwart is actually used
The verb is standard in formal and informal English and can describe either deliberate interference or an unforeseen obstacle. The adjective is literary and less common, while the noun is chiefly a nautical term for a crosswise seat or beam in a boat.