thwarts

Stops from succeeding

Thwarts means frustrates or blocks, preventing someone from accomplishing what they intend: The security system thwarts unauthorized access.

A thwart is also a structural crosspiece in a boat—a bench spanning the hull where rowers sit.

The verb sense carries the idea of crossing someone's path or plans.

obstruct

foil

Defeat a plan

blockSolid mass, or impede
preventStop in advance
impedeTo obstruct movement

hinder · stymie · frustrate · derail · sabotage · counteract · circumvent · baffle · check · defeat

nautical

bench

Shared seating surface

seatPlace for sitting
crosspieceBeam connecting two elements
rowboatOar-propelled small vessel

canoe · kayak · dinghy · gunwale · oars · rowing · scull · coxswain · oarsman · galley

Categories

boat partshull, keel, mast, rudder, helm
scotchesstops, blocks, halts, foils, prevents
boatbuildinghull, keel, stern, bow, planking
evasionevasion, avoiding, avoids, evade, dodging
repelsrepels, wards off, keeps away, fends off, drives away

Opposites

obstruction vs. facilitation

thwartsassists

Helps or supports

facilitates · aids · enables · helps · promotes

opposition vs. support

thwartsbacks

Rear surfaces or supports

champions · bolsters · endorses · encourages · upholds

Family

thwart, thwarted, thwarting, athwart, unthwarted

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G