foil
Verb
Easy difficulty
What does “foil” mean?
verb.to prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding.
SAT Usage
this verb often appears in passages related to conflict, strategy, or moral dilemmas, emphasizing the active role of thwarting plans or ambitions. It implies a sense of agency and opposition, distinguishing it from words like "hinder" or "obstruct," which may not convey the same level of purposeful intervention against wrongdoing.
Common Confusions
Foil implies actively preventing something undesirable from succeeding, while hinder usually suggests merely causing a delay or difficulty without necessarily stopping the outcome.
Do not choose foil if the context emphasizes success or achievement rather than preventing something considered wrong or undesirable from succeeding.
Example Sentences
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The detective's careful preparation foiled the suspect's attempt to flee.