thwart thwart /θˈwɔrt/

noun

1. () A crosspiece spreading the gunnels of a boat; used as a seat in a rowboat  ( cross thwart , thwart )
   a crosspiece spreading the gunnels of a boat; used as a seat in a rowboat
   
   

verb

1. () Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of  ( baffle , bilk [Informal] , queer [Informal] , cross , foil , frustrate , scotch , spoil , thwart )
   hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
    What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge
   What ultimately frustrated every challenger was Ruth's amazing September surge
    Foil your opponent
   foil your opponent