Vocabulary Word
Word: thwart
Definition: block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
Definition: block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
Sentences Containing 'thwart'
If he opposes them, on the contrary, and still more, if he has authority enough to be able to thwart them, neither the most acknowledged probity, nor the highest rank, nor the greatest public services, can protect him from the most infamous abuse and detraction, from personal insults, nor sometimes from real danger, arising from the insolent outrage of furious and disappointed monopolists.
The conquest of Mexico was the project, not of the council of Spain, but of a governor of Cuba; and it was effectuated by the spirit of the bold adventurer to whom it was entrusted, in spite of every thing which that governor, who soon repented of having trusted such a person, could do to thwart it.
For myself I can say that since I have been a knight-errant I have become valiant, polite, generous, well-bred, magnanimous, courteous, dauntless, gentle, patient, and have learned to bear hardships, imprisonments, and enchantments; and though it be such a short time since I have seen myself shut up in a cage like a madman, I hope by the might of my arm, if heaven aid me and fortune thwart me not, to see myself king of some kingdom where I may be able to show the gratitude and generosity that dwell in my heart; for by my faith, senor, the poor man is incapacitated from showing the virtue of generosity to anyone, though he may possess it in the highest degree; and gratitude that consists of disposition only is a dead thing, just as faith without works is dead.
He had lighted with such energy upon a thwart of his boat that his ivory leg had received a half-splintering shock.
More Vocab Words
::: perdition - damnation; complete ruin; hell::: jocular - said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
::: knack - special talent; art
::: gargantuan - huge; enormous; gigantic; CF. the hero of Gargantua and Pantagruel
::: withdrawn - introverted; retiring; remote
::: prodigy - highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents; marvel; wonder
::: succumb - yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die; Ex. succumb to the illness
::: mannered - affected; not natural; Ex. mannered way of speech
::: goad - urge on; drive with a goad; cause (someone) to do something by continued annoyance; Ex. They goaded him into doing it by saying he was a coward; N: sharp-pointed stick for driving cattle; stimulus; CF. annoy continually
::: surveillance - close observation of a person (esp. one under suspicion); watching; guarding
