Thwart (verb)

1. To prevent something from happening or being successful.
2. To frustrate or oppose someone's plans or efforts.

Origin:

The word "thwart" comes from the old norse word "þvert" which means "across" or "transverse." it originally meant "to sit across from" or "to cross," but over time it came to mean "to oppose or frustrate".

Examples:

1. They tried to thwart his plans for a new business.
2. She thwarted his attempts to kiss her.
3. The police thwarted the terrorist's plans.
4. He was thwarted in his efforts to get the job.
5. She thwarted her opponents by winning the election.