Definition

Noun: 1. The act of preventing someone's plans or efforts from succeeding; thwarting. This is the primary meaning, referring to the action of hindering or defeating an intended action or goal.

Usage

• foiling is used as a countable noun, often preceded by "the" or a possessive determiner (e.g., "his," "their").
• It typically describes the successful prevention of a specific plan, attempt, or effort.
• Common collocations include: [a plot/plan/attempt/attack/scheme].

Examples

• The security team was praised for the foiling of the terrorist plot.
• Her quick thinking resulted in the foiling of the robbery attempt.
• The detective took credit for the foiling of the criminal's elaborate scheme.

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a connotation of cleverness or successful intervention against a secretive or malicious plan.
• It is frequently used in contexts of security, law enforcement, espionage, and competitive strategy.

Variants and Related Words

• Foil (verb): To prevent something from succeeding; to thwart.
  • Example: The guards managed to foil the escape.
• Foil (noun): A person or thing that contrasts with and thereby emphasizes the qualities of another. (This is a different meaning from "foiling").
  • Example: The villain acts as a perfect foil to the heroic main character.

Synonyms

• Thwarting
• Frustration
• Defeat
• Prevention
• Check

Antonyms

• Assistance
• Aid
• Facilitation
• Success
• Furtherance

Noun

1. an act of hindering someone's plans or efforts