Thwart (/θwɔːt/) is a somewhat unusual word in terms of its spelling. It begins with the voiceless dental fricative sound /θ/, which is represented by the letters "th". The following sound is the voiced labiodental approximant /w/, which is spelled with the single letter "w". Finally, the word ends with the voiceless alveolar stop /t/, spelled with the letter "t". Overall, the word "thwart" is an example of the English language's complex and often irregular spelling system.
The term "thwart" refers to a verb that means to hinder, prevent, or impede the progress, success, or accomplishment of something. It involves the act of obstructing or frustrating an individual's or a group's efforts to reach a goal or achieve a desired outcome.
When a situation or action is thwarted, it often results in a setback or failure. It implies the interference with plans, intentions, or designs, causing an individual or a group to face obstacles or limitations. Thwarting can occur due to various reasons such as opposition, resistance, obstacles, or adverse circumstances that hinder progress or success.
This term can be used in the context of personal or professional endeavors, conflicts, competitions, or even in simple day-to-day situations. For instance, one may refer to an unsuccessful attempt to solve a problem as being thwarted by unexpected challenges. Similarly, the act of deliberately opposing or obstructing a person’s ambitions or goals can also be described as thwarting their aspirations.
Overall, "thwart" captures the essence of hindrance, obstruction, and prevention, encapsulating the idea of frustrating or impeding progress or success in various situations.
• Being across or crosswise.
• To lie or come across the direction of; to cross, as a purpose; to oppose; to frustrate or defeat.
• The seat or bench of a boat on which the rowers sit, placed athwart the boat.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "thwart" originated from the Old Norse word "þvert" (pronounced thwert), which means "across" or "transversely". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*thwerh-", meaning "to turn, twist, or whirl". In Middle English, it evolved into "thwarten", which refers to twisting or turning something aside or obstructing its course. Over time, the word's meaning narrowed down to its current definition, which is to hinder, obstruct, or block progress or plans.