thwart

The definition of thwart is to hinder or stop something from happening.

(verb)

An example of thwart is when you catch your kids in the process of sneaking out.

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See thwart in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. lying or extending across something else; transverse; oblique
  2. Obsolete perverse

Origin: ME thwert < ON thvert, neut. of thverr, transverse < IE *terk-, to turn (prob. < *ter-, to rub with rotary motion > throw) > L torquere, to twist, turn

adverb,

Archaic athwart

noun

  1. a rower's seat extending across a boat
  2. a brace extending across a canoe

transitive verb

  1. Obsolete to extend or place over or across
  2. to hinder, obstruct, frustrate, or defeat (a person, plans, etc.)

See thwart in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb thwart·ed, thwart·ing, thwarts
  1. To prevent the occurrence, realization, or attainment of: They thwarted her plans.
  2. To oppose and defeat the efforts, plans, or ambitions of.
noun
Nautical
A seat across a boat on which a rower may sit.
adjective
  1. Extending, lying, or passing across; transverse.
  2. Eager to oppose, especially wrongly; perverse.
adverb & prep.
Archaic
Athwart; across.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English thwerten

Origin: , from thwert, across

Origin: , from Old Norse thvert

Origin: , neuter of thverr, transverse; see terkw- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • thwartˈer noun
  • thwartˈly adverb

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