Thwarts

Thwarts are crosswise seating supports found in boats. As a noun, thwart (plural thwarts) refers to a seat or bench that runs across the width of the hull, providing a place to sit and to brace the oars or paddles. In rowing and small craft, thwarts are typically attached to the gunwales and may be fixed or detachable. The number of thwarts in a boat varies with design, size, and intended use; small dinghies may have two or three, while larger rowing shells feature multiple seating positions across the vessel.

In nautical contexts, a thwart is often constructed of wood, though modern boats may use metal or composite materials. Thwarts can be whole, continuous crosspieces or individual seats that can be adjusted along the length of the boat. The arrangement of thwarts influences seating, balance, and rowing technique.

As a verb, thwart means to prevent, hinder, or frustrate an action, plan, or attempt. It is used transitively, taking a direct object, as in thwarting an attack, thwarting a scheme, or thwarting someone’s efforts. Common synonyms include hinder, obstruct, and frustrate. The term appears in both everyday language and formal writing to describe actions that stop progress or success.

Etymologically, thwart derives from older forms meaning across or acrosswise, reflecting its primary geometric sense. In addition to its primary nautical sense, the word appears in broader discussions of obstacles and counteractions, where the idea of stopping or impeding remains central.