thwart
IPA: θwˈɔrt
noun
- (nautical) A seat across a boat on which a rower may sit.
- (nautical) A brace, perpendicular to the keel, that helps maintain the beam (“breadth”) of a marine vessel against external water pressure and that may serve to support the rail.
- (rare) An act of thwarting; something which thwarts; a hindrance, an obstacle.
verb
- (transitive) To cause to fail; to frustrate, to prevent.
- (transitive, obsolete) To place (something) across (another thing); to position crosswise.
- (transitive, also figuratively, obsolete) To hinder or obstruct by placing (something) in the way of; to block, to impede, to oppose.
- (transitive, intransitive, obsolete) To move (something) across or counter to; to cross.
adjective
- Placed or situated across something else; cross, oblique, transverse.
- (figuratively, dated) Of people: having a tendency to oppose; obstinate, perverse, stubborn.
- (figuratively, dated) Of situations or things: adverse, unfavourable, unlucky.
adverb
- (obsolete) Across the direction of travel or length of; athwart, crosswise, obliquely, transversely.
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Examples of "thwart" in Sentences
- How exactly did Barney Frank "thwart" reform of Fannie & Freddie?
- He said he doesn't want the remark to be used to "thwart" their relationship.
- Cheney Mason charge NeJame with harboring an "ulterior motive" in his attempt to "thwart"
- Mugabe spoke about a "vicious onslaught" by his overseas critics, saying they were trying to "thwart" the country from importing food.
- In 2007, the Shin Bet confirmed they would "thwart" those who "harm" the Jewish character of the state, "even if such activity is sanctioned by the law."
- This is the reason why the thwart which is farthest aft is made the seat of the best oarsman, and the others are required to make their motions keep time with his.
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