The word "thwarts" is a plural form of the noun "thwart," which means a seat across a boat. The spelling of "thwarts" is tricky as it violates the rule of English spelling that states "-s" is the plural suffix for most nouns. Instead of adding "-s" at the end, "thwarts" has a silent "s" before the "-t." The correct pronunciation of "thwarts" is /θwɔːts/. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the "th" is pronounced as /θ/, and the "w" is pronounced as /w/.
Thwarts is a verb that refers to the act of preventing or frustrating the efforts, plans, or goals of someone or something. It implies hinderance or obstruction towards achieving a desired outcome. Thwarts can be used in various contexts such as personal ambitions, projects, or even external forces like nature or circumstances.
In a literal sense, thwarts can pertain to physical obstacles or barriers that impede progress or movement. For example, in boating, a thwart is a crossbar or seat that provides stability and support, but can also hinder movement or flexibility.
Metaphorically, thwarts suggests a sense of opposition or resistance. It can describe how external factors hinder the success of an endeavor. In competitive situations, an opponent may use strategies or tactics to thwart the advancement of their rival. In political or legal arenas, individuals or groups may attempt to thwart the efforts of their opponents to achieve specific objectives.
Thwarts can also denote internal opposition or self-sabotage. It may characterize an individual's own actions or mental state that prevent them from attaining goals. Procrastination, self-doubt, or fear often act as personal thwarts, limiting progress and hindering personal growth.
Overall, thwarts portrays the notion of interruption, obstruction, or prevention, whether caused by external influences or internal struggles. It conveys the frustration and disappointment derived from encountering obstacles that impede progress towards desired outcomes.
The word "thwart" has a Middle English origin. It can be traced back to the Old Norse word "þvert", which means "across" or "transverse". "Þvert" is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*thwerhitaz", where "thwer" means "transverse" and "hitaz" means "opposite". The word later evolved into Middle English as "thwert" before eventually becoming "thwart" in its current form.