to thwart
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to thwart
To successfully prevent the execution of a plan, intention, or act.
Die Polizei konnte den Fluchtversuch des Gefangenen im letzten Moment vereiteln.
The police were able to thwart the prisoner's escape attempt at the last moment.
The verb 'vereiteln' (to thwart) has the inseparable prefix 'ver-'. It remains firmly attached to the stem 'eiteln' in all sentence forms.
Der Geheimdienst hat den Anschlag vereitelt.
The intelligence service thwarted the attack.
'Vereiteln' (to thwart) is always used with an accusative object. This object is the plan or action that is being prevented.
Ein aufmerksamer Nachbar vereitelte den Einbruch.
An attentive neighbor thwarted the break-in.
This verb is often used in official contexts such as police reports. Typical combinations are: 'einen Plan vereiteln' (to thwart a plan), 'einen Anschlag vereiteln' (to thwart an attack), 'einen Fluchtversuch vereiteln' (to thwart an escape attempt), or 'einen Raubüberfall vereiteln' (to thwart a robbery).
Die Küstenwache konnte den Schmuggel vereiteln.
The coast guard was able to thwart the smuggling.
'Vereiteln' (to thwart) is a written-language word and is used mainly in news, reports, or formal contexts. It is rather rare in everyday conversation.
Durch schnelles Handeln der Polizei wurde die Entführung vereitelt.
The kidnapping was thwarted through the police's quick action.
to prevent
'verhindern' and 'vereiteln' both mean that a plan or action is not carried out. 'verhindern' is the general word and fits many situations. 'vereiteln' is more specific: it is usually about a plan, intention, or act that someone can actively stop. It often sounds like it involves the police, fraud, an attack, or a secret plan. 'vereiteln' puts stronger emphasis on success against a concrete plan. In everyday language, 'verhindern' is usually more neutral and more often appropriate.
Die Polizei vereitelt den Betrug, bevor jemand Geld verliert.
The police thwart the fraud before anyone loses money.
Der neue Kalender verhindert, dass wir wichtige Termine doppelt planen.
The new calendar prevents us from scheduling important appointments twice.