thwart
Stop from succeeding
To thwart is to prevent someone from accomplishing what they intend: Her plans were thwarted by bad weather.
The word suggests frustration—not just failure but blocked effort.
A thwart is also a seat running crosswise in a boat, from the word's older sense of lying across something.
Solid mass, or impede
- impedeTo obstruct movement
- hinderObstruct or delay
- hamperObstruct or clothes basket
- stymieTo obstruct or baffle
check · curb · halt · stop · restrain · inhibit · constrain · restrict
Defeat a plan
- frustratePrevent from succeeding
- scotchDecisively put an end to
- derailForce off course
- circumventAvoid by going around
baffle · outwit · outmaneuver · checkmate · counter · neutralize · nullify · quash
Prevent or deflect
- forestallPrevent by prior action
- preemptAct to prevent
- precludeMake impossible in advance
- obviatePrevent by anticipation
head off · stave off · fend off · ward off · nip in the bud · deter · discourage · prohibit
Deliberate disruption of operations
- subvertSecretly weaken authority
- undercutSell cheaper than rivals
- disruptInterrupt and disorder
- destabilizeMake unsteady or insecure
weaken · impair · compromise · damage · cripple · hobble · torpedo · wreck
block
Solid mass, or impede
stymie · check · curb · halt · stop · restrain · inhibit · constrain · restrict · encumber
foil
Defeat a plan
circumvent · baffle · outwit · outmaneuver · checkmate · counter · neutralize · nullify · quash · crush
avert
Prevent or deflect
obviate · head off · stave off · fend off · ward off · nip in the bud · deter · discourage · prohibit · disallow
sabotage
Deliberate disruption of operations
destabilize · weaken · impair · compromise · damage · cripple · hobble · torpedo · wreck
resist
Oppose or refuse compliance
- counterFlat service surface
- contradictDispute a statement
- defyResist or challenge openly
rebuff · repel · repulse · challenge · contest · combat · fight · withstand · confront · cross
crossbeam
Horizontal structural member
- obstructblock, halt, stop, impede, hinder
- opposeoppose, resist, defy, reject, refuse
- Troublesproblem, trouble, issue, setback, snag
- disruptdisrupt, disturb, upset, disorder, disorganize
- North Woodscanoe trip, boreal forest, portage, white pine, red pine
- river campingcanoe, paddle, tent, campfire, campsite