thwart
verb (used with object)
to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose.
thwarts
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pluralof thwart.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof thwart (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
thwartverb (used with object)to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It brings to mind this concept of malicious compliance, where you’re technically doing what you’re supposed to, but in a way that actually thwarts the goals of the powers that be.
From Slate ● Aug. 15, 2025
“The Challenge” injects randomness and chaos into the mix that thwarts the most studious strategists, mainly by throwing people for a loop by changing up certain games and tossing psychological tests into its pressure cooker.
From Salon ● Nov. 28, 2023
He starts to get up, but Sandy quickly thwarts his effort, ushering for me to follow her into the kitchen.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2022
Fans have repeatedly told him how they can relate — to Lilo’s frustration over feeling misunderstood, to Nani’s determination in spite of a world that continually thwarts her good intentions, even to Stitch’s rebellious nature.
From New York Times ● Jun. 21, 2022
Sometimes she’d be going on very intensely then come to a sudden stop with something like: “What is it? What is it? What can it be that thwarts us?”
From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
