foil

\ ˈfȯi(-ə)l

foiled; foiling; foils

Definition of foil

(Entry 1 of 5)

1a : to prevent from attaining an end : defeat always able to foil her enemies Her accident foiled her from becoming a dancer.

b : to bring to naught : thwart foiled the plot Police foiled an attempted robbery.

2 obsolete : trample

foil

noun (1)

Definition of foil (Entry 2 of 5)

1 : very thin sheet metal aluminum foil

2 : a thin piece of material (such as metal) put under an inferior or paste stone to add color or brilliance

3 : someone or something that serves as a contrast to another acted as a foil for a comedian

4a : an indentation between cusps in Gothic tracery

b : one of several arcs that enclose a complex figure

5 : hydrofoil sense 1

foil

verb (2)

foiled; foiling; foils

Definition of foil (Entry 3 of 5)

transitive verb

1 : to back or cover with foil

2 : to enhance by contrast

foil

noun (2)

Definition of foil (Entry 4 of 5)

1 : a light fencing sword having a usually circular guard and a flexible blade of rectangular section tapering to a blunted point — compare épée, saber

2 : the art or sport of fencing with the foil —often used in plural

foil

noun (3)

Definition of foil (Entry 5 of 5)

1 archaic : defeat

2 archaic : the track or trail of an animal

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Verb (1)

frustrate, thwart, foil, baffle, balk mean to check or defeat another's plan or block achievement of a goal. frustrate implies making vain or ineffectual all efforts however vigorous or persistent. frustrated attempts at government reform thwart suggests frustration or checking by crossing or opposing. the army thwarted his attempt at a coup foil implies checking or defeating so as to discourage further effort. foiled by her parents, he stopped trying to see her baffle implies frustration by confusing or puzzling. baffled by the maze of rules and regulations balk suggests the interposing of obstacles or hindrances. officials felt that legal restrictions had balked their efforts to control crime